Changes in Ecosystem Services in Mie Prefecture

Abstract

This paper presents assessments on the changes of ecosystem services using the definition of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Rates of agricultural output, rates of forested areas, rates of tourists, rates of city park areas, and diversity of plant community was mapped at the municipal level prior to the latest municipal mergers, or at every natural park. The results of the assessments demonstrated that the values of provisioning services have decreased in most areas. There are differences between the northern areas and the southern areas of Mie prefecture among other ecosystem services. In the northern areas, the values of regulating services have decreased. The values of cultural services and supporting services have increased, or were already high. In the southern areas, the values of provisioning services have increased in a part of the area, although they have decreased in most areas. And, the values of regulating services have increased. The values of cultural services and supporting services have decreased, or were already low. However, they have increased in a part of the area. In particular, in the southern area, most kinds of ecosystem services were already at a low level, but these trends have diminished recently. To make this study more effective for the practice, we will analyze more indicators in the future.