A methodological approach for the analysis of ecosystem services from the local communities’ perspective

TOTINO, MARIANA; URDAMPILLETA, C; ITHURALDE, RAÚL ESTEBAN; GIONO, L; CABRERA , A; LANZAROTTI, E; QUINTANA, R

AMBIO

ROYAL SWEDISH ACAD SCIENCES

Lugar: Estocolmo; Año: 2023

0044-7447

In this paper we propose an innovative and plural methodology for a socio-cultural Ecosystem Services (ES) assessment in socio-ecosystems. This methodology was developed using diverse and interdependent tools applied within the framework of ethnoecology and post-normal science, with the aim of identifying ES from the perspective of local communities that inhabit different socio-ecosystems. We highlight the relevance of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK). In order to exemplify how this methodology works, we analyze a multiple case study performed in three peasant communities of the Dry Chaco eco-region, Argentina. We identify ES of all the categories and their fundamental contributions to the particular way of life in this area. We also propose new “emerging” categories for ES which did not align to those present in the previously published literature. The method is flexible enough to be used in other socio-ecosystems with different environmental and social features.