Cultural ecosystem services of the traditional South Bohemian landscape on the example of LAG Třeboňsko

Abstract

The article focuses on the identification and evaluation of cultural ecosystem services within the territory of the Local Action Group (LAG) Třeboňsko. The practical implementation of ecosystem services into decision-making processes, planning, monitoring, or economic mechanisms in the Czech Republic is still low. Besides the need for its dissemination in public administration, it is desirable to raise awareness within the organization of local action groups as a tool for local and rural development. Methodically, the article works with an expert estimation of the signifikance of cultural ecosystem services in terms of targeted management on a scale of 4 to 0 points. For the actual identification of cultural ecosystem services, the CICES system was used. Its ecosystem service classes were grouped into four groups - 9.1.1.1 Characteristics of ecosystems that enable activities supporting health, recovery, or pleasure through active physical or impressive interactions; 9.1.1.2 Characteristics of ecosystems that enable activities supporting health, recovery, or pleasure through passive or observational interactions; 9.1.1.3 Characteristics of ecosystems that enable intellectual interactions, research activities, or education; 9.1.1.4 Characteristics of ecosystems with heritage value - cultural, historical, traditional, regional heritage (biodiversity conservation also belongs to this group). To map the sources of cultural ecosystem services, the Consolidated Ecosystem Layer (KVES) was used. The model area of LAG Třeboňsko is unique with its pond landscape, where valuable natural ecosystems intersect with a historical pond management system. This is reflected in the widespread representation of cultural ecosystem service sources belonging to group 9.1.1.4 with the highest priority in terms of management.