Ecosystem services, landscape values and cultural sustainability in ecological restoration projects

Ecological restoration is based primarily on the theoretical ecosystem services framework. However, this framework is insufficient as it does take into account the cultural dimension of place in restoration goals. Through a review of the literature, this study shows how research on cultural landscape values can complement the ecosystem services framework by considering humans as an integral part of the landscape and not solely as agents in the degradation of natural ecosystems. To this end, the main critiques and limitations of the ecosystem services framework are identified, placing emphasis on cultural ecosystem services. Furthermore, differences between cultural landscape and heritage landscape are highlighted. Finally, connections between both theoretical frameworks are drawn.