Integrating MAES implementation into protected area management under climate change: A fine-scale application in...

Area of Science:

• Ecosystem management
• Conservation science
• Environmental planning

Background:

• Anthropogenic pressures threaten protected areas and conservation management.
• The EU's Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) strategy is crucial for environmental planning but challenging to implement.
• Ecosystem services (ES) approach is underutilized in protected area management due to data demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fill the gap in applying the MAES framework in protected areas.
• To integrate a scenario-based approach into the MAES operational framework for local management.
• To demonstrate the applicability of this integrated framework in a Natura 2000 site.

Main Methods:

• Embodied a scenario-based approach into the MAES operational framework.
• Examined current and future water demand under different climatic scenarios.
• Utilized available data, expert judgment, and stakeholder involvement for ES operationalization.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the MAES approach as a viable management and coordination platform.
• Evaluated various management strategies (current, ecological-friendly, water-efficient, destructive) against water demand.
• Showcased the framework's utility in a case study of Lake Stymfalia, Greece.

Conclusions:

• The MAES approach, enhanced with scenario planning, is vital for effective protected area management.
• This integrated methodology supports informed decision-making for conservation under changing environmental and socio-economic conditions.
• The study provides a practical framework for operationalizing ecosystem services in real-world conservation challenges.