Effective large-scale coastal restoration requires moving beyond successful yet isolated pilot projects towards integrated, landscape-scale implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Achieving this transition depends on systemic approaches that translate local knowledge into spatial planning and broader environmental objectives across connected ecosystems, while addressing entangled challenges driven by, for example, climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Within the EU H2020 REST-COAST project, we developed the Nature-based Building Blocks (NB3) Framework to support the participatory upscaling of NbS across European coastal restoration pilots. This data paper presents a spatially-explicit dataset generated through the participatory application of the framework at pilot sites. Using the Interactive Web Map tool that implements the Participatory Downscaling Approach of the framework, stakeholders mapped Coastal Units representing context-specific spatial entities for restoration planning. Each Coastal Unit is coupled to a structured data sheet derived from the Input-Process-Output Model of the NB3 Framework, capturing locally relevant biophysical, ecological and socio-economic information. The resulting dataset provides a standardised, yet flexible representation of pilots’ coastal restoration contexts, enabling comparative analysis, fostering cross-site learning and providing information for decision-making strategies in NbS upscaling. By making these data openly available, the dataset provides a benchmark for comparative reuse in future restoration strategies and promotes broader application of participatory, transdisciplinary approaches to upscaling coastal restoration.
Artificial lights at night (ALAN) is a growing phenomenon that poses a significant threat to fireflies, which depend on natural darkness for bioluminescent communication. Yet, firefly populations persist near brightly lit urban areas, suggesting that certain environmental features may buffer the impact of ALAN. This study investigates how firefly populations respond to artificial lighting and whether canopy cover supports higher firefly occurrence in urban parks. We conducted field surveys at Bukit Kiara, an urban park in Kuala Lumpur, by recording firefly occurrences and measuring canopy cover, streetlight density and distance to the nearest streetlight. Using a negative binomial generalised mixed model (GLMM), we found that each additional streetlight was associated with a 36.7% reduction in expected firefly count, while a moderate positive correlation was observed between firefly occurrences and distance from streetlights. Conversely, the expected firefly count increased by 75.1% for every 18.7% increase in canopy cover. These findings suggest that canopy cover plays a key role in mediating the impact of artificial light on fireflies, potentially by providing localised shading that maintains low ambient light conditions. Urban park strategies that prioritise tree retention and connectivity of canopy cover may, therefore, support firefly persistence in light-polluted areas, though future research should account for species-specific responses and additional microhabitat and environmental variables.
Invasive alien plant species pose significant ecological and socio-economic risks across East Africa, yet invasion risk assessments in Tanzania have largely relied on single-species and climate-only projections. Such approaches may overestimate invasion potential by neglecting land-use constraints and inter-model uncertainty. This study evaluates the current and future habitat suitability of three invasive species: Chromolaena odorata and Lantana camara (terrestrial) and Pontederia crassipes in the Mara–Simiyu Region of northern Tanzania. Habitat suitability was modelled using MaxEnt and spatial block cross-validation. Projections were generated under three CMIP6 climate models (ACCESS-CM2, MIROC6 and MRI-ESM2-0) and four emission pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5). We quantified suitable area using the 10th percentile training presence (P10) threshold and derived ensemble predictions by averaging across climate models. Climate-only projections indicate that terrestrial species retain moderate suitability under low-emission scenarios, but experience increasing fragmentation and contraction of highly suitable areas under higher-emission pathways. Niche overlap between L. camara and C. odorata was moderate to high across scenarios (Schoener’s D = 0.45–0.81), suggesting substantial climatic similarity and potential spatial convergence under future warming. In contrast, P. crassipes maintained broad climatic suitability across scenarios. When land-use projections were incorporated, suitable habitat estimates were substantially reduced and exhibited greater spatial uncertainty. For C. odorata , suitable habitat covered approximately 55–65% of the region under SSP1–2.6, but this uncertainty increased under high-emission scenarios (coefficient of variation ≈ 65–75% by 2090). L. camara showed even stronger contractions, with uncertainty exceeding 85–90% under SSP5–8.5. These findings suggest that climate-only models may overestimate potential niche space by ignoring land-use constraints. Therefore, integrating multiple environmental drivers provides a more realistic assessment of invasion risk and supports climate-adaptive management strategies.
Microplastics (MPs) are a growing threat to terrestrial ecosystems, yet the localisation of ingested MPs within the digestive tract of soil arthropods remains poorly understood. Here, we developed and validated a reliable fluorescence microscopy approach to visualise MP particles in different gut regions of millipedes (Diplopoda). MPs (LDPE and PLA, 3–5 mm) were pre-stained with Nile red and millipedes were exposed for five days. After gut isolation, cryosections were counterstained with Sytox Green for nuclei and examined under UV excitation, which provided optimal discrimination between blue‑white MP fluorescence and bright green cell nuclei. Whole‑body sectioning proved unsuitable due to fragmentation and autofluorescence of the cuticle, leading to false‑positive signals. In contrast, isolated gut preparations yielded clear images. We observed a region‑specific MP distribution: particles adhered closely to the cuticle‑lined wall of the foregut and hindgut but remained mostly in the lumen of the midgut, likely separated by the peritrophic membrane. This differential localisation may have functional implications for MP residence time, translocation risk and interaction with compartment‑specific gut microbiomes. Our protocol offers a practical and reproducible tool for future studies on MP ingestion, fragmentation and biodegradation by arthropods.
The new EU regulation on ecosystem accounting requires Member States to report annually on the supply and use of seven ecosystem services. To support this process, Eurostat provides a voluntary INCA tool along with default datasets and methods. While these resources enable basic compliance with the reporting requirements, the top-down, centrally provided input data and assumptions are generic, not fully comprehensive and may lack accuracy in many national contexts. Integration of national data and context-specific assumptions is, therefore, recommended to improve reliability and national relevance of accounts.In this study, we assessed how input data choices affect nature-based tourism accounts in Finland. We compiled two sets of accounts with the INCA tool: one using the default dataset and one with nationally sourced input data. Improvements in the nationally adjusted dataset include high-resolution travel statistics, spatial information on accommodation locations and adjusted proxies for recreational attractiveness. The comparison of resulting accounts revealed substantial differences: the default approach underestimated domestic nature-based tourism volumes – mainly due to missing non-commercial accommodation use – and produced unrealistic spatial patterns that overlooked several key destinations. National data provided markedly higher and more plausible estimates, with a broader and more accurate distribution across the landscape and a shift in ecosystem-level supply from forest-dominated to a more balanced contribution of lakes, marine areas and other ecosystems.Our findings demonstrate that using more comprehensive inputs, with higher spatial accuracy and closer alignment with national realities, can substantially change the magnitude and spatial distribution of estimated ecosystem service supply. Incorporating national expertise and datasets is essential to go beyond minimum compliance and to produce ecosystem accounts that are robust enough to support informed policy-making.
The South American Coastal Shallow Subtropical Lakes (SA-CSSL) represent the largest continuous coastal shallow-lake system of its kind globally — a 1,000 km belt of over 100 wind-exposed polymictic lakes and lagoons - mostly freshwater due to high precipitation, groundwater inputs and large catchments — arrayed along southern Brazil into eastern Uruguay. The SA-CSSL lakes formed during the Quaternary as barrier–lagoon systems - lagoons impounded behind coastal sand barriers, a unique and peculiar feature in the context of shallow lakes. Despite their regional and global relevance, subtropical shallow lakes remain under-represented in limnology, making SA-CSSL a critical research target that goes beyond temperate-dominated research. The region spans strong climatic and anthropogenic gradients and is directly influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), creating a natural laboratory for comparative and replicated studies on ecosystem processes, biodiversity and resilience. Here, we synthesise the current knowledge on the system’s origin, structure, functioning and pressures and formulate a forward-looking plan for coordinated research and monitoring. Drawing on the strategic outcome from a 2025 workshop in Brazil, we delineate four representative aquatic subsystems with historical monitoring and active projects — the Tramandaí River System, Patos Lagoon System, Mangueira–Mirim System and Uruguayan Lagoon System — as sentinels for integrated observation and research. Key anthropogenic and climatic stressors comprehensively documented include eutrophication, urban and agricultural runoff and emerging contaminants (e.g. pharmaceuticals, pesticides, microplastics), alongside rapid landscape change and more frequently occurring extreme weather events due to climate change. We further outline priority research topics that leverage the system’s scale and gradients: (i) pollutant and “novel entity” surveillance combining analytical chemistry with microbial and molecular biomarkers; (ii) biodiversity and community-assembly studies across ecotones and salinity transitions; (iii) remote-sensing–enabled lake modelling and early-warning indicators; (iv) designs for extreme inflow events; and (v) transboundary governance cases. To align local action with global needs, we align a monitoring framework with planetary boundaries, propose indicators and highlight data-infrastructure needs. We position SA-CSSL as a globally unique large-scale model for subtropical shallow lakes and a collaborative nexus for testing ecological theory and managing freshwater under accelerating climate and societal change.
Understanding the ecological consequences of land-take requires moving beyond land-use and land-cover (LULC) data alone and considering ecosystem condition. This study quantifies land-take in Wallonia (Belgium) between 2007 and 2018 and characterises the affected areas using key abiotic soil and topographic properties, including soil wetness, texture, depth, hydromorphy, slope and aspect, in order to identify ecologically constrained soils affected by this process. We then assess how these land conversions influence the capacity of ecosystems to deliver services, applying an ecosystem service (ES) capacity matrix. The matrix combines LULC information with mapped soil and topographic properties to integrate ecosystem condition into the estimation of ES changes attributable to land-take. Our findings show an average annual land-take of 21.43 km² (5.87 ha per day), consistent with national statistics, but significantly higher than European estimates, mainly due to methodological differences between land-cover-based satellite imagery and cadastral land-use data. Conversions predominantly affect agricultural land, reflecting long-standing policy concerns about the protection of arable land. However, our study also highlights that ecologically constrained soils, often overlooked due to their limited agronomic value, are nonetheless significantly affected by land-take. These areas, including hydromorphic soil types, occupy relatively small surfaces, yet exhibit a high capacity to support regulating ES. Results indicate a significant decline in the capacity of ecosystems to supply regulating ES, especially water quality regulation and flood risk mitigation. These findings underscore the importance of integrating ecosystem condition data into ES assessments and land-use planning policies, not only to support the goal of preventing further soil degradation (e.g. under No Net Land-Take objectives), but also to move beyond a purely surface-based interpretation of land-take that overlooks the characteristics of the ecosystems affected.
Degraded land in the Peninsung Catchment is currently a significant concern, necessitating rehabilitation efforts that involve local communities. This study aimed to determine the Important Value Index (IVI) and species diversity within the traditional Dayak agroforestry landscape, known as tembawang and to evaluate the potential of this landscape for rehabilitating the critical land. The research was conducted in Peninsung Catchment (8,111.36 ha), Sepauk Sub-Watershed, Kapuas Watershed, West Kalimantan. A line-nested sampling plot method with 30% sampling intensity was used to collect data on the structure and composition of vegetation, generating the Important Value Index (IVI) to determine species dominance and ecological importance within the vegetation community. PAST software (ver. 4.04) was used to analyse the diversity indices (Shannon and Simpson Index), evenness (E) and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results revealed a highly resilient, multi-layered canopy structure. At the tree stage, the ecosystem maintains a stable structural framework characterised by moderate diversity (H' up to 2.38) and high evenness (E > 0.80), validated by exceptionally robust cluster configurations (CCC = 0.9549). However, the pole stage has a lower diversity (H' < 1.0) as a result of rubber cultivation for economic cultivation. The multilayered vegetation structure of tembawang, consisting of seedlings, saplings, poles and mature trees, indicates strong ecological stability and continuous natural regeneration similar to that of natural forest ecosystems. Therefore, tembawang can be recommended as a locally adaptive agroforestry system that supports soil and water conservation and has potential for critical land rehabilitation in watershed areas.
Identifying suitable habitats and High Conservation Value Areas (HCVAs) for threatened species is critical for informing site-based management in biodiversity-rich, but vulnerable landscapes. In this study, Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) and species richness analysis were applied to identify areas of high conservation value within Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL). Using the MaxEnt algorithm, we modelled habitat suitability for thirteen threatened species across major taxonomic groups, incorporating topographic and bioclimatic variables. Models showed high performance (mean Area Under Curve (AUC) = 0.905, True Skill Statistic (TSS) = 0.717 and Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) < 4), with terrain ruggedness, slope, mean annual temperature and annual precipitation identified as primary drivers of model structure. While statistical performance was robust, model outputs were strictly framed as spatial hypotheses to account for the data-limited nature of the focal endemics and the use of bioclimatic layers as proxy gradients. The resulting potential suitability maps revealed heterogeneous, species-specific distributions, ranging from localised and fragmented habitats for Dipterocarpus grandiflorus , Gallicolumba crinigera and Shorea guiso , to broader ranges for Edolisoma mindanense , Platymantis guentheri and Voacanga megacarpa . Stacked binary models produced a species richness map that highlighted northern and north-western RSPL as biodiversity hotspots, while southern areas were relatively depauperate, reflecting probable degradation. Threshold-based analyses to delineate HCVAs showed that the CRFD (Cumulative Richness Frequency Distribution) inflection point (~ 6 species) best balanced spatial extent and ecological sensitivity, capturing 90% of species occurrences. In contrast, conservative thresholds (e.g. 95 th percentile, Mean + 1 SD) isolated only a few core hotspots, but excluded moderately rich areas that may serve as corridors or buffer zones. This integrated modelling approach offers valuable insights, enabling the prioritisation of potential critical habitats and identification of targets for ecological restoration.
Artificial aquatic systems, such as aquaculture pondscapes, deliver several important ecosystem services (ES). However, it is challenging to assess their habitat‑maintenance and cultural values because they depend on multiple complex interactions amongst landscape structure, ecological processes, and human use patterns. In this context, we have developed and demonstrated a spatial, proxy-indicator framework that applies landscape‑based metrics (e.g., fractal dimension, shoreline/edge density, connectivity etc.) alongside indicators that capture cultural-recreational aspects (e.g., land‑cover diversity, perceived naturalness, accessibility, protected areas, and tourist attractions etc.). These indicators were calculated at the pond and landscape levels for 25 representative pondscapes in Hungary and were then normalised to enable comparison across different sites. Application of our framework revealed clear differences in landscape patterns and ecosystem services between regions and pond types. Barrage‑dam pondscapes - occurring in Transdanubian regions of Hungary - were found to exhibit higher structural complexity and habitat‑maintenance potential than the predominantly round‑dam ponds of the Great Plain in Hungary. The results also indicate which structural, accessibility and aesthetic factors most strongly influence the potential of ecosystem services across pondscapes. This scalable and reusable approach can be used to conduct ecosystem service assessments in other similar pondscapes, particularly in contexts where intensive field surveys are not feasible. It can further support decision‑making related to targeted restoration, agri‑environment scheme design and broader pondscape enhancement.
Coastal dune systems are dynamic and vulnerable landforms that provide key ecological, geomorphological and protective functions along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Despite their importance, their conservation status remains insufficiently quantified, particularly under the microtidal and fetch-limited conditions characteristic of the Black Sea.This study introduces the Eco-Geomorphological Dune Value Index (EGDVI), a multi-criteria assessment framework integrating 31 indicators across eight thematic categories, encompassing geomorphological, ecological, anthropogenic, legal and scientific dimensions. Unlike existing dune assessment approaches, the EGDVI combines these components within a single weighted and standardised scoring system, enabling a comprehensive and policy-relevant evaluation of dune systems. Indicator scores are derived from field surveys, high-resolution remote sensing data, GIS analysis and legislative sources and are weighted through structured expert elicitation.The EGDVI was applied to 16 dune systems along the Strandzha sector of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Total scores range from 154.0 to 364.5 (maximum 400), defining five classes of eco-geomorphological value. Four systems (25.0%) are classified as Very High Value (Class A), one (6.25%) as High Value (Class B), eight (50.0%) as Moderate Value (Class C), one (6.25%) as Low Value (Class D) and two (12.5%) as Degraded (Class E). At the regional scale, the mean EGDVI score (266.1) falls within the moderate-value class, indicating that transitional dune systems dominate along the Strandzha coast.The results demonstrate that the EGDVI provides a robust, transparent and reproducible framework for assessing both condition and conservation value. By explicitly incorporating governance and scientific dimensions alongside eco-geomorphological parameters, the index strengthens the science–policy interface and supports conservation prioritisation. The conceptual structure of the EGDVI is transferable to other microtidal and enclosed-sea coastal environments, provided that indicators are locally calibrated.
While numerous ecosystem assessment frameworks have been developed, they often provide valuable insights into and guidelines for assessments from siloed perspectives, addressing ecosystem assessments primarily through research, public-sector, private-sector or context-specific lenses. They lack the integrated approach necessary to address the multifaceted nature of ecosystem assessments across diverse domains and contexts. Others bring together perspectives from various sectors, but stay at a conceptual level, without specifying detailed steps and processes required for implementation. This fragmentation presents a barrier to achieving holistic and sustainable integrated ecosystem assessment outcomes that account for diverse user needs and relevant interdependencies amongst ecosystem components. The Framework for Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (FIEA) developed by the SELINA project (Science for Evidence-based and Sustainable Decisions about Natural Capital) offers a unified structure that builds upon and refines the existing assessment approaches to facilitate integrated ecosystem assessments and provide information for evidence-based decision-making across multiple sectors. Developed through an interactive co-creation process within the SELINA project, the FIEA engaged a wide range of partners, including scientists, policy-makers and private sector representatives and is designed to be modular and flexible, catering to diverse needs and contexts. The framework encompasses six interconnected phases – Frame, Scope, Design, Assess, Share and Act. It addresses present challenges that limit the uptake of ecosystem information in decision-making by enhancing transparency, stakeholder engagement and adaptability. Within the paper, the FIEA’s structure and development process will be addressed, underscoring its potential to bridge the gap between ecosystem science and practical decision-making.
Quantifying and mapping the wood provisioning ecosystem service presents significant challenges to countries compiling ecosystem accounts because gathering data for large forested areas involves considerable resource investment. Modelling the growth and distribution of forests with Earth Observation (EO) data offers a scalable approach to estimating the Net Annual Increment of forests remotely in a consistent manner and mapping it at high resolution for large extents on a yearly basis.In this study, we introduce and assess a bottom-up approach to calculating Net Annual Increment (NAI) to generate high resolution (10 m) wood provisioning ecosystem accounts. We describe the theoretical reasoning and technical specifications of a novel method involving the identification of areas of living trees and forest available for wood supply, conversion to Dry Matter Productivity and calculation of total green biomass increment, accounting for multiple wood densities and fractional tree cover. We demonstrate the method by generating NAI maps for Slovakia and evaluate the results with comparisons to a reference dataset generated from public forestry measurements as well as to the ecosystem account output of the INCA tool.The maps generated by the Earth Observation (EO) approach captured a higher level of detail in forest and NAI distribution than INCA. NAI per NUTS region for the EO approach were more similar to the reference approach than were the INCA estimates. The INCA approach significantly overestimated NAI for beech and underestimated for spruce stands, although the greater range of values detected by the EO method meant that it had a marginally weaker correlation with the reference than INCA.The results indicate that the innovative EO method improves on existing top-down approaches while remaining scalable and flexible. It is an effective method for compiling wood provisioning ecosystem accounts with the potential for greater temporal resolution and spatial extent than would be possible with field measurements, producing realistic values and high-resolution maps. Its innovative bottom-up approach and foundation in open EO data give this method the potential for continental or global application (where input data are available), providing an accessible way for countries to compile ecosystem accounts to meet reporting obligations.
This study provides an integrated geomorphological, hydrological, physico-chemical, ecological and macrolitter assessment of the Shabla–Ezerets coastal lake system. High-resolution LiDAR and bathymetric data reveal a shallow, low-energy basin with strong hydrological confinement, extensive littoral development and fine-sediment accumulation. Contemporary water-column profiles (2019–2024), compared with historical measurements (1950–1963), show a stable summer thermocline at 2–4 m depth and an increase of approximately 3–4 °C in summer surface temperatures. Near-bottom oxygen saturation frequently declines to 20–40% during summer, extending the spatial expression of historically observed low-oxygen conditions. Salinity remains uniformly oligohaline (0.1–2.1 ‰), contrasting with the more variable historical range. Ecological data indicate long-term shifts towards freshwater-tolerant ichthyofaunal assemblages and expanded reedbed dominance. Macrolitter surveys document moderate plastic-dominated accumulation across shoreline, surface-water and benthic compartments, reflecting limited flushing and efficient retention. The combined evidence shows that hydrological confinement, gradual climate-related warming and restricted water renewal jointly structure present-day ecosystem functioning. Controlled seasonal freshwater outflow is identified as an appropriate restoration measure for improving water-column renewal, reducing stagnation and decreasing litter retention while preserving the system’s freshwater character.
In mangrove ecosystems, the significance of litterfall as a key contributor to ecosystem productivity and soil nutrient dynamics is well established. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of litterfall patterns within a hyper-arid saline mangrove ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), revealing substantial monthly fluctuations. The annual litterfall ranged from 0.107 to 0.768 Mg/ha (+/- 0.093 Mg/ha), with the lowest values observed in February and the highest in August. The investigation further examined the relationship between litterfall and ten distinct remotely sensed vegetation indices, utilising multispectral imagery from the Sentinel-2 satellite mission. The findings indicated a weak correlation between litterfall and several vegetation indices. Nevertheless, exemplary predictive performance was achieved through a random forest regression model (RF), yielding an R2 value of 0.81 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 6.71. The analysis identified the Normalised Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), Plant Senescence Reflectance Index (PSRI) and Transformed Vegetation Index (TVI) as the most significant variables influencing litterfall dynamics. The study underscores the critical importance of comprehending monthly litterfall patterns and leveraging remote sensing methodologies for effectively monitoring and managing mangrove ecosystems amid shifting climatic conditions.
In the present study, we used the Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique to analyse the element composition of Zebra mussel shells (Dreissena polymorpha) across the different ontogenetic stages. Our investigation also covered water and sediment sample collection from the mussel’s habitat. The use of the PIXE method allowed for accurate quantitative measurement and the detection of trace elements. To gain insight into the changes in metal concentrations in the shells, we calculated the coefficients of variation for each of the chemical elements present in the samples and the correlation between all possible pairs of metal concentrations in the shells. The calculated Metal Pollution Indexes (MPI) demonstrated a strong relationship between the growth of the mussels and the accumulation of chemical elements from the environment. We conducted quantitative analysis of metals in the water and the sediments from the Ticha Dam and established correlations, proving that the elements K, Mn, Fe, Ti and Cr accumulate in the shells of the Zebra mussels.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are considered a promising approach to addressing the climate-health nexus by mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts. They also serve as a bridging concept that delivers multiple benefits for climate, biodiversity and human well-being, including health. However, evidence on how NbS affect people’s health and well-being remains scattered and has not been systematically reviewed. In this study, we explore synergies and trade-offs associated with NbS in the context of climate change and public health, based on a literature review. To explore the specific mechanisms through which NbS influence different public health dimensions, we utilise the UN climate change vulnerability framework. Our results show strong evidence that NbS can effectively mitigate climate change impacts, promote ecosystem resilience and improve human well-being by providing multiple benefits, such as enhanced biodiversity, improved air and water quality, increased food security and reduced urban heat island effects. However, trade-offs also exist, such as disruptions to local biodiversity and increased resource demands, which can lead to unintended negative consequences, like water scarcity and competition for land. We emphasise the importance of integrating NbS into policy frameworks with careful planning and considering their benefits and trade-offs to maximise gains for all communities. In conclusion, research on NbS provides strong evidence that they can be essential for addressing climate and health challenges, but implementation must consider local context and potential trade-offs to ensure long-term sustainability. Future research should examine long-term impacts and strengthen monitoring to better manage these trade-offs.
The Mediterranean Region is considered one of the areas most exposed to climate warming, with artificial lakes and coastal lagoons representing particularly vulnerable ecosystems, that provide essential goods and services. Amongst the extreme events linked to warming, heatwaves are of growing concern, yet their ecological effects on the functioning of Mediterranean aquatic systems remain poorly investigated. We present a methodological framework designed by the Project “a warmer Future world: effects on plankton commUnities and paThogens in Mediterranean vUlneRable Ecosystems (FUTURE)“ to study how natural plankton communities respond to abrupt and sustained thermal stress. The approach targets on entire plankton communities, from bacteria to zooplankton, integrates laboratory experiments and field monitoring activities and combines classical techniques with molecular tools to capture changes in biodiversity, food web size-structure and the occurrence of potentially pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We selected two diverse aquatic ecosystems in the western Mediterranean as case studies: an artificial lake, an important source for drinking water and a coastal lagoon vital for fishery, both of high ecological and economic importance. By applying controlled experimental simulations with ecological relevance, the framework provides a replicable approach to investigate plankton community-level responses to heatwaves. This methodological contribution provides a comparative framework for vulnerable Mediterranean ecosystems and promotes standardised approaches to assess the impacts of extreme climate-driven events. The scalable and reproducible protocol presented here fills a critical regional knowledge gap and will support the effective management of climate-sensitive aquatic ecosystems.
Encroachment of a native invasive species – Empetrum nigrum (crowberry) – has impacted Arctic ecosystems and the indigenous Sámi people. To understand comprehensively the impacts of this native invader, we adopted three concepts, ecosystem services (ES), ecosystem disservices (EDS) and nature’s contributions to people (NCP), to identify and classify systematically crowberry’s beneficial and detrimental impacts on the Arctic ecosystem. Through a systematic literature review of 116 articles, we show that, amongst 12 positive and negative impacts of E. nigrum, the species only provide detriments to humans indirectly. Specifically, the detriments are the negative impacts on the local ecosystems and biodiversity, which indirectly affect locals’ way of life. We identify one additional beneficial impact of crowberry – carbon fixation – which was not included in previous review studies. The analysis reveals that the CICES framework, despite its detailed categorisation capabilities, lacks specific differentiation for certain services (e.g. food vs. medicinal) and neglects ecosystem disservices. We propose integrating EDS into the MAES/CICES and IPBES frameworks, classified in a manner parallel to its existing ES categories, for a more holistic assessment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the NCP concept, contrary to IPBES claims, does not consistently offer a more inclusive lens for assessing multifaceted impacts, due to the lack of elements equivalent to disservices. Consequently, we suggest improving the neutrality of NCP subcategories and adopting an endogenous perspective in assessing nature's contributions. Ultimately, the choice of concept may depend on specific research objectives.
Knowing people’s perceptions on the importance and value of ecosystem services (ES) is an important step towards sustainable management and recognised as essential for successful conservation. We assessed societal preferences, i.e. value perceptions for ecosystem services (ES), recreational activities, shore types and acceptance of shore modifications for Lake Balaton along with socio-demographic factors and environmental awareness. We surveyed 1500 respondents (tourists, vacation homeowners and lake shore residents) online and in person. Survey results show that the greatest importance was assigned to regulating and cultural ES, in line with the prevailing use as a place of recreation. Greatest differences were between residents and tourists, with environmental awareness as the strongest explanatory factor. The most frequent activities were close-to-nature (e.g. swimming, walking), but high-profile activities like sailing, yachting were less common, just as well as angling. This pattern aligned well with the preference for more natural shore types (24% of respondents preferred ‘close to natural’ type). More pressure in terms of development of tourism infrastructure, specifically of hotels and marinas, were disliked by 58% and 61% of the respondents, respectively. Preferences were most strongly influenced by participants' environmental awareness. We identified trade-offs between cultural ES as different recreational uses, linked to shore types with differing built and natural features. Some of these trade-offs can be solved with targeted spatial planning, but mass recreation might nevertheless impact conservation. We discuss the results of this survey in relation to present trends in investments to tourism at the Lake.
