Urban green space ecosystem service value under land use/land cover change dynamics in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGSs) provide indispensable ecosystem services to humans, including provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of UGS on ecosystem services under changes in land use over the past 34 years (1991–2024). This study employed both spatial and nonspatial data sources. Remote sensing data and GIS were employed to analyze the ecosystem service values (ESVs) corresponding with the global value coefficient. Global ESV coefficients and benefit transfer techniques were employed. Over the course of 34 years, the average ESV in the study area was $5408.14 ha−1 in 1991, $4538.83 ha−1 in 2002, $5137.12 ha−1 in 2014, and $5054.62 ha−1 in 2024. Besides, the total ecosystem service value (TESV) in 1991 was $158.64 million, which decreased to $132.74 million in 2002, $150.69 million in 2014, and $148.27 million in 2024 annually. Meanwhile, the contribution of UGS to the TESV was $10.16 million in 1991, $18.71 million in 2002, $16.92 million in 2014, and $13.30 million in 2024. The findings will provide valuable insights for urban land use planners and managers, policymakers, and stakeholders who are responsible for developing and implementing sustainable land use practices that ensure the provision of necessary ecosystem services for current and future generations.