Mapping local participatory assessment of ecosystem services of natural resources

It is important to identify and manage regional natural resources to maximize ecosystem services. Although several studies have assessed ecosystem services using natural resources, they have failed to interpret the results spatially and to present regional policies. This study used factor analysis to map the results of an assessment of natural resources made by local ecologists to identify the main ecosystem services of the target area and their distribution. Spatial patterns were analyzed in the Namyangju area of South Korea, a water source for the Han River, where ecosystem services are paid for in monetary terms. Analyses revealed that cultural services predominated in the urban area, supporting services predominated in the mountain and river areas, and regulation services were emphasized at the points where mountains meet rivers. Mapping the results of inhabitant participation in the rapid function assessment of ecosystem services complements the mapping of general ecosystem service assessment, and can facilitate practical utilization.