Integrating participatory geographic information system for ecosystem services and land management in Adina Deer Park (forest) and its surroundings: A pathway to achieve Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Earlier studies have highlighted the significance of the socio-economic aspects of ecosystem services (ES) and their critical role in planning and decision-making processes. However, more research is required to comprehend the variations in people's perceptions of ES and land management preferences (LMP) in various contexts. This study aims to examine the spatial distribution of ES and LMP to reveal possible trade-offs and synergies among them, particularly in relation to the Adina Deer Park (ADP) (forest) and surrounding 1-km buffer. A paper-based participatory geographic information system (PGIS) method was used to collect empirical data on ES and LMP. Results show that hotspots for regulating ecosystem services (RES) are strongly associated with conservation preferences (CP) (r = 0.68), and weak (r = 0.22) association with cultural ecosystem services (CES). Additionally, hotspots for CES and CP show a strong association (r = 0.72). Hotspots of LMP have a weak association with hotspots of provisioning ecosystem services (PES) (r = 0.36) but no association with hotspots of CP and CES (r = 0.10 and r = 0.11, respectively). Most hotspots for RES and CES (78.64% and 82.67%, respectively) are located within the forest area (FA), while 89.02% of the PES hotspot is located in the non-forest area (NFA). Additionally, 87.56% of CES and 82.87% of RES are provided by the FA (10.57% of the total area), suggesting that the FA provides a broad range of resources supporting local livelihoods and well-being. The results highlighted the relevance of integrating local values of ES and LMP in conservation planning, especially in ecologically sensitive locations such as ADP (forest). This approach increases effective, inclusive land use planning that balances development and conservation, contributing directly and indirectly toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ecological resilience.