Narykova A. N., Plotnikova A. S. Mapping of ecosystem services at the local level: An overview of the state of research // Voprosy lesnoi nauki. 2022. Article 110. Vol. 5. No. 3. Pp. 1–33. DOI 10.31509/2658-607X-202252-110
Abstract. Due to the growing anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems, researchers around the world are interested in the concept of ecosystem services (ES). The main idea of the concept is to take into account the functions of natural ecosystems when making managerial decisions and ensuring sustainable nature management. Mapping of the services provided by ecosystems is important for their territorial representation, spatial analysis, dynamic detection of change, study of the relations among ecosystem elements, etc. The purpose of this study is to review the global literature in the field of mapping ecosystem services at the local level. The article discusses in detail the directions of mapping, the types of input data, the methods used, as well as the geography of research. The groups of services that are currently of the greatest interest to researchers have been identified; in particular, 39% of the analyzed publications deal with the mapping of regulatory ES. The article describes widely used source materials such as global vegetation maps and land use maps. Among the methods for estimating and mapping the ES, design of regression models and use of ready-made sets of models such as InVEST, KINEROS, etc. should be highlighted. As a rule, the objects of ES mapping at the local level are specially protected natural areas, as well as vulnerable mountain, river, and coastal landscapes. Mapping of ecosystem functions and services of local facilities is most developed in European countries.