Creating an inventory of ecosystem services for selected Natura 2000 sites in Malta

Abstract

The ecosystem services approach has gained much importance of late in biodiversity conservation, with ecosystems now perceived as capital stocks that are beneficial for human well-being, thus meriting protection. This dissertation reviews methods that have been used to define and classify ecosystem services to date, with the aim of identifying a classification method that may be adapted to the Maltese Islands. The study further aims to compile an inventory of ecosystem services within selected Natura 2000 (N2K) sites in Malta, with the related goal of assessing the utility of such inventory and classification for management of these sites. Following a review of available methods, the CICES v4.3 methodology, and the related CICES-Be framework, were used as a basis for creating an inventory of ecosystem services for thirteen selected N2K sites. The list was compiled through research on potential ecosystem service providing units in Malta, by consulting international and local studies, by visiting the sites to visibly observe activities and utilisation of the ecosystems within the N2K sites, and by consulting with experts with regard to the sites or to specific ecosystem services. The findings reveal that N2K sites have the potential to deliver a number of services, but that there is insufficient knowledge, or published data, on the value of most such services. Indeed, ecosystem services do not appear to have been explicitly factored into the management plans of N2K sites in Malta. On a positive note, the classification system developed by CICES was found to be well-suited to such application, because it can be adapted for small-scale studies, allowing users to easily identify service-providing units. The framework is thus potentially a useful tool for managers, allowing the identification of strengths and weaknesses of management actions, to enhance the protection of ecosystems and betterment of human well-being.