Lake Users' Perceptions of Environmental Change: Ecosystem Services and Disservices Associated with Aquatic Plants

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Ressource 1Download: Wood et al 2021 Léman.pdf (1064.86 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: Final published version
License: CC BY 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_E6079A173614
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Lake Users' Perceptions of Environmental Change: Ecosystem Services and Disservices Associated with Aquatic Plants
Journal
Water
Author(s)
Wood Louisa E., Andriamahefazafy Mialy Z., Guilder James, Kull Christian A., Shackleton Ross T.
ISSN
2073-4441
Publication state
Published
Issued date
22/05/2021
Volume
13
Number
11
Pages
1459
Language
english
Abstract
Lake Léman (Lake Geneva), Switzerland, is known to have undergone major environmental change over the last few decades, including changes in the abundance, distribution, and species composition of macrophytic plants (aquatic plants). In this study, questionnaires and key informant interviews were used to assess lake users’ perceptions of broad scale environmental change in the lake paying special attention tochanges in the abundance of aquatic plants and the perceived ecosystem services (ES) and ecosystem disservices (EDS) associated with them. In addition, we assessed whether users’ perceptions of aquatic plants had an impact on perceived management need. Most respondents (63%) perceived aquatic plant abundance to have increased over the last 10 years, primarily because of climate change. Aquatic plants were seen to benefit water quality through improved regulation and supporting services, and to provide important habitat and food for fauna. Most EDS associated with increased aquatic plant abundance were categorized as cultural or economic. User perceptions of the ES and EDS associated with aquatic plants affected support for management (60% of respondents supported some form of management), and such information is important for informing environmental decision making.
Keywords
Léman, Lake Geneva, environmental management, water weeds, aquatic plants, public perception, environmental perception, Switzerland, values, macrophytes
Open Access
Yes
Create date
28/05/2021 11:33
Last modification date
29/05/2021 6:13
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