We contribute to the questions raised in this workshop presenting the historic development of the supply of aesthetic values. We focus on changes in accessibility and effects of changes in use, i.e. the shift from mainly agricultural to touristic use. These changes are reflected in the landscape: While increased accessibility resulted in a general increase in the supply of aesthetic values until 1950, aesthetic values began to decrease after 1970 because of altered landscape patterns, resulting from the declining agricultural use, especially in higher altitudes (question 1).

To evaluate changes in the supply of aesthetic values (question 2), we analyse changes in the actual supply of aesthetic values along roads and paths since the beginning of tourism by mapping roads and paths for several time steps and applying a spatially explicit modelling approach to estimate aesthetic values. Furthermore, we use social media data to compare spatial patterns of visitation preferences with predicted aesthetic values.

As similar developments occur in many other mountain regions worldwide, our results can serve to highlight general implications of changes in accessibility due to increasing tourism (question 3). On the other hand, our results emphasize the importance of agricultural activities to maintain aesthetic values. We provide an outlook on future supply of aesthetic values that is likely to be affected even more severely due to further landscape changes (e.g. forest increase, decline of glaciers) and reduced access to landscapes of high aesthetic values due to difficulties in the maintenance of hiking trails.

Change from agricultural to touristic use: effects on the aesthetic value of
landscapes over the last 150 years

On the example of the municipality of Sölden (Austria), this study evaluates the role of accessibility on the supply of aesthetic values. We analyse changes in the actual supply of aesthetic values along roads and paths since the beginning of tourism. We analyse changes in accessibility by mapping roads and paths for several time steps. Aesthetic values were estimated applying a spatially explicit modelling approach. Our results indicate that increased accessibility resulted in a general increase in the supply of aesthetic values until 1950, as many new roads and paths were constructed in higher elevated areas, particularly in aesthetically attractive landscapes. Although the accessibility to high-elevation areas continued to increase until 2017, aesthetic values rather decreased because of altered landscape patterns, resulting from the declining agricultural use, especially in the alpine grassland area. In the future, the supply of aesthetic values is likely to be affected even more severely due to further landscape changes (e.g. forest increase, decline of glaciers) and reduced access to landscapes of high aesthetic values due to difficulties in the maintenance of hiking trails, as the examples of Stubai Valley (Austria) and Matsch Valley (Italy) depicted. As similar developments occur in many other mountain regions worldwide, our results can serve to highlight general implications of changes in accessibility. Moreover, our results emphasize the importance of agricultural activities in alpine grassland to maintain aesthetic values.

We contribute to all questions raised in this workshop referring to an emerging conflict between backcountry skiing and Alpine wildlife. Backcountry skiing as a cultural ecosystem service is getting increasingly popular in mountain regions during the winter season, as it is considered a close-to-nature and sustainable alternative compared to resort skiing. However, a growing number of backcountry-skiers causes disturbance of Alpine wildlife, which is particularly susceptible to interferences due to low temperatures and food scarcity.

Referring to question 1, we used questionnaires during a workshop with local stakeholders to identify conflicts related to cultural ecosystem services in mountain regions. Stakeholder perceptions provide a very useful input to define and describe conflicts. During the discussion stakeholders agreed that a conflict arises as soon as other beneficiaries, in this conflict for example hunters, foresters, land owners, are negatively affected.

To assess these conflicts (question 2), we used spatio-temporal analysis of the identified conflicts to identify potential conflict zones. By applying species-specific disturbance distances between animal sightings and ski routes and flexible buffer zones, we mapped and quantified different levels of disturbance allowing to indicate increasing degrees of vulnerability.

Regarding question 3, we can learn from management experiences from other regions, where some organizations have already taken action and introduced measures that aim at guiding skiers towards a nature-friendly behavior, for example in Vorarlberg, Bavaria, etc... In relation to backcountry skiing, the effectiveness of these measures may be evaluated by overlaying protection zones with tracking data of backcountry-skiers from social networks, as we applied to identify potential conflict zones.

Cultural ecosystem services are of great importance to local inhabitants of mountain regions as well as to visitors. In the European Alps, backcountry skiing is increasingly popular among the recreational activities during the winter season, as it is considered a close-to-nature and sustainable alternative compared to resort skiing. However, growing numbers of backcountry-skiers may disturb Alpine wildlife, which is particularly susceptible to interferences due to low temperatures and food scarcity. Disturbances by skiers may not only affect the survival odds of Alpine animals, but has wide-ranging effects on several ecosystem services as well as on related stakeholders and beneficiaries such as hunters, foresters, farmers and residents. This growing pressure has already induced some organizations to introduce measures that aim at guiding skiers towards a nature-friendly behavior in selected locations. In this study, we therefore mapped and analyzed potential conflict zones between backcountry skiing and wildlife for the entire region of Tyrol, Austria. We used tracking data of backcountry-skiers from social networks with the exact indication of time and date of the activities to map temporal and spatial variations of outdoor recreation. We relied on different high-resolution habitat maps of Tetraoninae to locate wildlife habitats. Focal conflict areas were then identified by applying species-specific disturbance distances between animal sightings and ski routes. Our results revealed both differences in spatial pattern (between populated and remote areas) and temporal dynamics during the winter season. Taking into account the growing demand for outdoor recreation, our results suggest increasing pressure on Alpine wildlife. Hence, measures and strategies are urgently needed to reduce conflict areas and to protect wild animals.

Mountain environments are highly appreciated for recreational activities. The growing demand for outdoor recreation, however, leads more frequently to conflicts. These conflicts may arise between different types of activities, but also between recreationists and farmers, landowners, hunters, forestry, nature conservation and other.

We contribute to the questions raised in this workshop, presenting the results of a project in “Natur bewusst erleben (Consciously experiencing nature)” that is carried out in Kleinwalsertal (Austria). Based on a questionnaire, local stakeholders were asked to describe the conflicts related to recreational use (when do they arise, where are they located, who is involved) (questions 1 and 2). The results indicate that conflicts involve both local residents and tourists, occur more frequently in summer than in winter, happen mostly daily or weekly, distribute over the whole day but also night, and are mostly not limited to one location. The stakeholders stated generally a high or very high need for action.

With regard to question 3, the presented study aims at sensitizing residents and tourists. Information on the value of the natural environment will be provided using the concept of ecosystem services to foster public awareness and understanding. Moreover, innovative communication approaches will be applied aiming at enhanced experiences of the mountain environment generating a better understanding and more respect towards nature.

 Mountain environments are highly appreciated for recreational activities. The growing demand for outdoor recreation, however, leads more frequently to conflicts. These conflicts may arise between different types of activities, but also between recreationists and farmers, landowners, hunters, forestry, nature conservation and other. This poster presents the results of a project in “Natur bewusst erleben (Consciously experiencing nature)” that is carried out in Kleinwalsertal (Austria). This project has three main objectives: (1) analysis of the natural environment with a focus on ecosystem services, in particular for the habitats wetlands, grassland and forests; 2. development of a decision-making concept for the management different types of use, in particular recreational use; 3. development of innovative knowledge transfer approaches. Based on a questionnaire, local stakeholders were asked to describe the conflicts related to recreational activities (when do they arise, where are they located, who is involved). The results indicate that conflicts involve both local residents and tourists, occur more frequently in summer than in winter, happen mostly daily or weekly, distribute over the whole day but also night, and are mostly not limited to one location. The stakeholders stated generally a high or very high need for action. The study aims furthermore at sensitizing residents and tourists. Information on the value of the natural environment will be provided using the concept of ecosystem services to foster public awareness and understanding. Moreover, innovative communication approaches will be applied aiming at enhanced experiences of the mountain environment generating a better understanding and more respect towards nature. 

The suburban landscapes in the south of Mexico City (MC) are marked by steep slopes and high mountain ranges up to 3900 m. About 60% of the city’s territory is conservation land and, it has 23 protected areas. These natural areas are essential to provide numerous ecosystem services for the inhabitants, for instance, aquifer recharge, greenhouse gas fixation, climate regulation, biodiversity reservoir, retention of soil and water, agricultural production and, possibilities of recreation and cultural activities. By means of a case study, we want to show limitations and difficulties suburban natural parks have to face. Los Dinamos is located in the southwestern part of MC, it is part of aquifer conservation land and it was a natural protected area since 1932, but this decree has been taken away recently. During the last two and a half years, we did bibliographic research, carried out countryside surveys, and applied questionnaires to gather information about visitors perspective on cultural ecosystem services. Our results show that: 1) there is no transparency in official management plans, if there are any, 2) there are no clear conservations strategies, 3) there is no visitor management plans, 4) irregular human settlements have grown and began to invade the forest, 5) the visitors ascribe the park educational, natural, recreational and future values, 7) visitors use the park to enjoy nature (51%), to do sports (36%), hiking (8% ) and eating local food (5%). From visitors perspective there is a need to improve the services that provides the park, because there is no other space like this in MC where people can do mountain biking, rock climbing, running, experience forest vegetation, eat local food and, enjoy scenic beauty. In this paper, we discuss the sociopolitical reasons and lack of willingness of local government are threatening the future of Los Dinamos.

“Cultural ecosystem services and social values in Los Dinamos, Mexico City”

Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) are benefits nature provides humans through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, recreation or aesthetic experiences. There is a strong linkage between CES and human well-being, and therefore it should be a crucial part in landscape-related decision-making. The mountainous landscapes of Mexico City provide important natural areas for the city, but there is a lack of knowledge about their CES. One way to anticipate future management needs of this natural parks, is through our understanding of where and how different visitor groups perceive and value these spaces. By means of a case study, we aim to deepen our understanding about CES of Los Dinamos, explore social values different visitor groups ascribe to this natural park and, to develop spatially explicit information to demonstrate which social values visitors attribute to certain places. We did so by applying countryside surveys and questionnaires during January and December 2018, and used geographical information systems. With this mixt method, we identified that the park provides its visitors scenic beauty, eco-touristic opportunities, inspiration, as well as educational, spiritual, and recreational services, and it contributes to the construction of the local cultural heritage. Further, we identified two general visitor groups: general recreational visitors and rock climbers. We found that these groups have different profiles, use different geographic spaces and prefer different activities that offers the park. Interestingly, both groups’ describe the same values of the park: natural/future, educational and recreational values. In addition, recreational visitors’ describe spiritual value to the park also, while rock climbers do not. Because of the different landscape features of the park, we elaborated maps that show recreational limits, most used places by visitor groups, type of activities and social values visitors’ describe, of ten specific places within Los Dinamos.

Tirol´s main industry is tourism. However, climate change is also affecting the alpine space which results in endangering the year round usage of ski pists of glacial areas.

So far, all glacial skiing areas in Tirol are threatened by large losses of ice masses if they would not take action to reduce ablation which can be achieved by coverage of large areas with industrial fleece. The fleece is made of polypropylene and can help to preserve ca. 1,5m of snow during the coverage period from May to September. The economic gain is evident, however, there are serious ecological concerns regarding the usage of this fleece on snow.

Snow and ice are inhabited by living communities consisting of microbes and metazoa which show an active metabolism depending on the availability of liquid water. Consequently, with coverage a change in numerous living conditions is the case, i.e. the incoming radiation which is crucial for autotrophic organisms. Hence, with this change most likely a shift of carbon budgets from large glaciated areas will be observed. Moreover, all atmospheric depositions which serve as well as nutrient sources for the cryobiota are no more available due to the cut off.

The most critical issue is the addition of a lubricant which is water soluble. During melting phases and precipitation events this lubricant will be dissolved from the fleece and will not only affect the living communities but also the water circuit.

It was the scope of this project to define and quantify the impact and implications of the fleece on the organisms in ice and snow. Moreover, we intended to initiate a constructive discussion with stakeholders and producers of the fleece to possibly find alternatives to avoid the usage of lubricants. So far, we have to face with a massive problem of released microplastics.

Pastoralism is a key economic activity in most of the mountain regions in the world. In many parts of the world, pastoralism shares a symbiotic relationship with the landscape.

A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between pastoralism and natures contribution to people’s (NCP’s) was missing in the literature. NCP’s are the evolution of the ecosystem services framework and it is designed to acknowledge the perspectives and interactions among biological, social and economic sciences. In order to address this gap, a systematic review exploring the interactions between pastoral systems and NCP’s was performed. An operator string was created and used in the Scopus database on 19-09-2018. Only peer-review articles that contained primary data, written in English and published before 2019 were included in the review.

The search gave 576 peer-review articles written in English that were then examined against our inclusion criteria: At least one type of NCP should be mentioned, and the relationship between it and pastoralism examined. The socioeconomic and ecological context of pastoralism should be described. The main traits of the study areas should be stated. The livestock management under study must be characterized by mobility. This resulted in 37 peer-review articles being selected. These papers were examined and compared across 37 different categories comprising: Study country, area and climate, If pastoralism had been defined, Traits of pastoralism, Type of pastoralism studied, Type of pastoral system, Main trend of pastoralism in the region, state of landownership, Main threats identified in the region to pastoralism, Is off-farm work discussed?, Is the role of women discussed?, Types of animals in the system, External drivers of pastoralism in the paper, Specialist product creation, Methodologies used, Is a definition of ecosystem services given?, What ecosystem services are discussed?, What NCP’s are discussed (18 sub-groups)?, Specific practises of pastoralists mentioned.

In the transdisciplinary project „Sustainability Analysis of high-mountain hut Taschachhaus – HIGHT“, we are developing a concept for a sustainability monitoring using qualitative social science methods that enables us to analyse the infrastructure of a high-mountain hut and it`s operation in terms of sustainability. The analysis also includes activities of the hut´s tenants and guests in order to get a full picture of human-environmental relations. In a second phase of the project, measurements will be implemented in order to improve sustainability in the operation of the hut.

Climatic changes and effects thereof can be observed everywhere in the high-mountain areas and raise problems and tasks for the huts. In the future operating a high-mountain hut will be challenging in terms of e.g. water supply or protection from falling rocks. The existence of the huts and pathways are offering access to remote mountain areas. The maintenance of the built infrastructure and the operation with guests and mountaineers frequenting the place are influencing the hut´s natural surroundings, the infrastructure and economy in the valley as well as supra-regional value chains and the climate at a global level at the same time.

To experience nature and to perform sporting activities in high-mountain environment is the aim of mountaineers represented in the alpine clubs. The club-owned huts are representing infrastructure that enables these sporting and recreation activities in a sensitive ecosystem. While aiming at experiencing aesthetic values it is necessary to contribute to the preservation of ecosystem services as well so future generations will be able to experience them in the same way.

The contribution addresses sustainable use of CES and its limits. Conflicts between biodiversity conservation and experiencing CES are addressed. Further consequences and potential conflicts with local inhabitants e.g. agriculture or traffic are still subject to investigation.

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) quantification requires complex approaches incorporating environmental and social sciences, including methods that are capable to capture human perception such as interviews or participatory mapping. Based on my experience of integrated ES assessments in mountain regions, my contributions to the workshop 2.1.B: “Cultural ecosystem services – conflicts and limits” will be twofold.

First, as one of the coordinators of the French mountain ecosystem assessment (EFESE), I can provide feedbacks on our approach to spatial co-occurrence between i) habitats of high value for iconic species, and ii) areas prone to outdoor recreation. By modelling habitat suitability for both species and outdoor enthusiasts, we highlighted locations acting as quiet refuges for biodiversity and others potentially interesting for both and where management efforts could be focused.

Second, in the context of H2020 Ecopotential project, we assessed both the potential supply and the actual use of CES in three European mountain national parks, focusing on summer time activities. The potential supply of CES was modelled based on landscape indicators acting as CES proxies (e.g., distance to water bodies, topographic variability of the view shed) and combined according to local stated preferences on landscape indicators. The actual use of CES was informed through surveys with national park’s visitors. They included a questionnaire on activities enjoyed and on their perceived benefits as well as a participatory mapping exercise locating important areas for CES. In order to understand the (mis-)matches between potential supply and actual use of CES, accessibility was modelled accounting both for physical attributes (distance, slope) and for management effects (types of trails, access rights). Our results over three national parks can provide insights on the influence of management practices on the frequentation of users enjoying CES provided by sensitive mountain environments.

Different ways of CES enjoyment in mountain: potential conflicts and vicious dynamics illustrated by a systems thinking approach 

We propose a generic causal loop diagram (CLD) for a better understanding and to identify the interventions in the anticipation and management of environmental conflicts around the enjoyment of cultural ecosystem services.

Apart from the different categories of CES (such as aesthetic, spiritual, recreation, education), in a mountain landscape we could distinguish different ways of CES enjoyment, such as: relaxing (e.g. sunbathing on a pasture or sitting on the side of a river), observing (e.g. birth watching, or taking photos of endemic flower species), crossing (i.e. passing a site by hiking, biking, or horsing), collecting (e.g. mushrooms, herbs, berries).

Each of these modes of enjoyment is dependent on social processes and ecological processes and can influence each other. Distinguishing these processes and possible interactions, even in an approximate way, can help to understand the complexity of some vicious dynamics that could undermine the sustainability of a use or increase a use at the expense of others.

In the proposed CLD, the green variables are related to ecological processes (such as biodiversity or carrying capacity), purple variables are strictly related to social processes (such as values, preferences, information).

Such CLD is intended to be a starting point and an invitation to contribute to an exercise of participatory modelling, distinguishing sub-systems, ecological and social processes, identifying possible interventions on specific subsystems.

The CLD can currently be useful as an "index" for further research questions, but to be used in strategic terms it should obviously be further developed to be calibrated for a specific site.

Mobile wooden houses are more and more often promoted as examples of a sustainable, ‘soft tourism’ that allows more tourists to enjoy a broad range of cultural ecosystem services in mountainous areas. In remote areas with poorly developed tourism infrastructure, in particular, such small-scale lodgings can be flexibly placed in idyllic locations; they are transportable, less invasive, use little space, and can be set up in different places according to seasonal needs (e.g., in summer on a long-distance bicycle or hiking trail, and in winter near a ski resort). Further, these ecological timber constructions allow tourists to make positive tangible experiences when temporarily ‘living in wood constructions in nature’. However, there are also quite a few (potential) conflicts linked with a more widespread use of mobile wooden houses for touristic purposes in mountainous regions. They include conflicts with environmental protection aims (e.g., in national parks), not the least since they are bringing tourists to pristine spots where tourism-related construction activities have not been feasible before or even legally barred. Further, there are many challenges related to the provisioning and/or disposing of water, garbage, cleaning, or supply of food.

In our flash presentation, we elaborate on recent activities aiming at fostering the construction of mobile wooden houses for touristic purposes in the mountainous region ‘Eisenwurzen’ in Austria. We reveal main conflicts and the position of key stakeholders involved. In particular, we show how these conflicts can be – and actually are – discussed and negotiated using a platform of regional stakeholders initiated in the context of the EU Innovation Action ‘InnoForESt’ focussing on fostering forest-related governance innovations.

In the Alpine environment for centuries man has always been directly dependent on mountain ecosystems. Local communities have created specific conditions capable of assuring the persistence of ecosystems and their capacity to provide essential goods and services.
However, in recent decades, dramatic changes have occurred, such as changes in lifestyles, in land use, in the climate, etc. In these territories, rich in natural and cultural values, but at the same time particularly vulnerable, new needs and new order of values priorities arise.
The Alps are the scene of continuous interactions between different human activities and ecological processes, which may turn into concrete conflicts. In the framework of Interreg Alpine Space ALPBIONET2030 project, authors tried to identify local and transnational human-nature conflicts throughout the Alps, which could have an impact on the ecological network and on wildlife behavior.
Authors conducted interviews and workshops with local stakeholders in order to collect objective and subjective data on the most urgent conflicts in five selected regions, from France to Slovenia, and to gain information about the social knowledge and related perception.
Carefully consider different values, explore conflicts from different points of view, look for solutions capable to satisfy many interests, brainstorm multiple options, open up dialogue among stakeholders and favor cooperative dynamics is the key used to work towards shared strategies that can, at the same time, prevent conflicts and transform them into opportunities.

We highlight the importance of fusing conservation strategies of natural and cultural heritage to better conserve biodiversity in Tropandean landscapes. We use the Uchucay Community Reserve as example, because it harbors a native interandean forest relict that has been conserved because of its role in water capture and supply within the larger El Collay Commonwealth Protected Forest and Vegetation of southeastern Ecuador, but little is known about its tree biodiversity; therefore, using 50x2m transects randomly located, we studied the composition of woody plants with a diammeter at breast height equal or larger than 2.5cm. These results show that they are mature forests with high tree diversity and that it consitutes a microrefugium for endangered tree species, such as Prumnopitys montana; Podocarpus oleifolius, Oreopanax avicenniifolius, Miconia hexamera and Gynoxys dielsiana. The study included a survey on local environmental perception and the way in which they are affected with the loss of native forest flagship species, like Podocarpus sp. This study is part of the VULPES project (Project ID: ANR-15-MASC-003) with the support of the Belmont Forum, reflecting inter-university collaboration in Azuay province.

El microrefugio de Uchucay: un relicto de bosque interandino con una importante riqueza arbórea en la provincia del Azuay-Ecuador.

Danilo Minga, Universidad del Azuay; Paula Cordero, Universidad Católica de Cuenca; Mario Donoso, Universidad de Cuenca; Kabir Montesinos, Universidad de Cuenca; Fausto Sarmiento, University of Georgia

The Uchucay Community Reserve harbors a native interandean forest relict that has been conserved because of its role in water capture and supply within the larger El Collay Commonwealth Protected Forest and Vegetation of southeastern Ecuador, but little is known about its tree biodiversity; therefore, using 50x2m transects randomly located, we studied the composition of woody plants with a diammeter at breast height equal or larger than 2.5cm. These results show that they are mature forests with high tree diversity and that it consitutes a microrefugium for endangered tree species, such as Prumnopitys montana; Podocarpus oleifolius, Oreopanax avicenniifolius, Miconia hexamera and Gynoxys dielsiana. The study included a survey on local environmental perception and the way in which they are affected with the loss of native forest flagship species, like Podocarpus sp. This study is part of the VULPES project (Project ID: ANR-15-MASC-003) with the support of the Belmont Forum, reflecting inter-university collaboration in Azuay province.

Mountain ecosystem are highly vulnerable to land-use and climate change, with different consequences on ecosystem services and human well-being. In this context, the generally growing demand for outdoor recreation is expected to lead to higher visitation rates of alpine lakes, and consequently, to higher pressure on ecosystems and to increasing conflicts with other types of use. Past assessments largely disregarded ecosystem services of alpine lakes, as these are difficult to assess due to the remoteness of most lakes and varying social-ecological conditions that may be very specific for each lake. In particular, cultural services and related recreational, aesthetic and other cultural values remain challenging to assess due to the interplay of natural assets and human perceptions. The project CLAIMES (Climate response of alpine lakes: resistance variability and management consequences for ecosystem services) therefore aims at evaluating potential effects of climate change on several lakes in the northern and southern parts of the European alps, including conflicts and limits of use. Cultural ecosystem services will be evaluated using different approaches such as spatially explicit modelling approaches, crowd-sourced information (e.g. shared photo databases, GPS tracking), as well as specific surveys based on questionnaires to assess human preferences and values. First results indicate that alpine lakes are highly valuable for outdoor recreation providing important aesthetic landscape values. In the light of increasing summer tourism, the intensity of use of lakes located in higher altitudes is likely to increase, which may cause local conflicts with other types of use. Especially for alpine lakes that are easily accessible, conflicts may arise between fisheries, touristic use, agricultural use as well as biodiversity. Here, the collaboration among local stakeholders is needed to achieve a balanced level of use without negative impacts on important ecosystem services.