EVALUATING THE DIFFERENCE IN VALUES AND HUMAN WELL BEING DERIVE FROM ECOSYSTEM SERVICE IN THE CITY: COMPARISON ACROSS DIFFERENT GROUPS AND PARKS

B.Sc. Prince Chapman Agyeman, BSc

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The focus on the interdependencies between ecosystems and human well-being is tied to the appraisal of the condition and trends in the world’s ecosystems as well as the services they provide and the scientific basis for action to conserve and use them sustainably. The continuing changes in the earth system emanate from the dominant driver (human) that pushes the ecosystem beyond its natural limit. Conversely, it’s vital to understanding that human are living in a new geological age and Anthropocene which is connected to the migration of people into the cities which have increased population. Ecosystems are linked to human well-being in manifold ways, which is captured in the ecosystem services concept and vibrant field of research, have found their way into public debates as well as received high policy interest which is most central in current policy and management strategies. However, ecosystem services are only one of several approaches to conceptualizing the relationship between humans and nature, both come with potentials as well as challenges. This research aims to evaluate the difference in values and human wellbeing derived from ecosystem service in the city and it was accomplished by comparing across different groups and parks. The study was conducted in three parks in Baden Wurttemberg state in Germany and 103 respondents were interviewed by the semi-guided open-ended question. The data collected shown significant differences in values and human well-being across gender and age group during the results compared. Cultural service featured predominantly in the in the results which presupposes that there should be steps forward in making good use of the ecosystem Services concept include adopting a power-sensitive approach, considering the socio-cultural context and the diversity of stakeholder views and interests as well as taking into account the whole suite of Ecosystem Services, particularly cultural ecosystem service.

Keywords

urban parks, ecosystem, human wellbeing, demographic

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 4. 2018

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Peter Kumble, Ph.D.
• Reader: Kristina Janečková, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Master programme / field:
Engineering Ecology / Nature Conservation