Multicriteria optimization of ecosystem services as a base for participative forest management promoting recreation near tourist centers and cities

Abstract

New societal demands for the various benefits from forests, as well as growing concerns about the negative impacts of climate change, have recently resulted in a greater willingness of forest stakeholders to consider a wider range of ecosystem services and management objectives. The paper presents the findings obtained from a complex study to enhance the recreational potential of the forested landscape surrounding the historical town of Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia. The main objective was to optimize the existing provision and infrastructure for recreation, timber production, structural stability, and biodiversity within the forest. The results showed that current planning practices are not optimal. The analysis demonstrated that it is possible to simultaneously enhance timber production, recreation, biodiversity, and the overall multi-criteria utility of the forest in the area. Moreover, the improved utilization of forests and land around the city can be achieved by respecting the requirements of the key stakeholders interested in the management outcomes. Thus, the study can serve as an example of a new and improved approach to integrated management of forests and landscapes to increase the satisfaction of inhabitants and visitors of historical tourist cities.