Ecosystem services in the Fraguinha water mirror area, Arada Mountain, Portugal: a comparative analysis of methodologies

Abstract

Ecosystem Services (ES) include all resources and services provided by ecosystems. Given the human impacts on ecosystems, it is essential to develop methods for evaluating and quantifying these services to ensure their sustainable management and protection. The primary aim of this study is a comparative analysis assessment of the Ecosystem Services in the Fraguinha Water Mirror area, located in the Arada Mountain, in Portugal. Additionally, it seeks to understand public interaction with these services, particularly in relation to a proposed river beach construction in the area. To reach these goals it was applied two methodologies based on the principles of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment: direct field data collection and a population survey, an indirect method of data collection. The direct assessment of the Fraguinha study area shows a rich ecological landscape characterized by a heterogeneous set of ES. The Provisioning (54%) and Regulating (46%) services predominate, followed by Cultural (32%) and Supporting (21%) services. However, the result of indirect assessment shows that the public highlight the Cultural Services, suggesting the potential to expand recreational opportunities. The survey results show a weak correlation between the construction of the river beach and a significant increase in visitor numbers, and that there is a preference for keeping the area as natural as possible. Results reveal discrepancies between the two methodologies (direct and indirect methods) highlighting the need to develop an integrated ES assessment. Despite these differences, both methods suggest that the Fraguinha area has potential to improve its leisure and cultural offerings.