Coupling spatial pollination supply models with local demand mapping to support collaborative management of ecosystem services

Abstract

Mapping of ecosystem services (ES) is a powerful tool for communication and knowledge sharing about the implications of ecosystem management practices for human wellbeing. This research aimed to show the usefulness of ES mapping for decision-making by combining modelling of ES supply with ES demand mapping in a participatory process with the engagement of relevant stakeholders. We used the ESTIMAP-pollination model to map wild bee abundance and pollination supply in the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park (PNSACV) in Portugal. The model was modified by adding a behavioural component that distributes pollinator visits according to floral availability. Balancing pollination supply with crop dependency levels allowed visualising potential areas of satisfied and unsatisfied demand and testing the effectiveness of ecosystem management interventions. The discussion of these results in two participatory workshops triggered the first collective debate about pollination in the PNSACV. This engagement enabled the development of a shared understanding about this ES and highlighted the role of ES maps as tools to support collaborative natural resources management.