Prioritization and valuation of ecosystem services in protected areas

Protected areas (PAs) are a tool to protect biodiversity and maintain the provisioning of Ecosystem Services (ES) in nature. However, there is still no comprehensive analysis on the relationship between PAs, biodiversity conservation, and Ecosystem Services Value (ESV) in these areas. On the other hand, due to population growth and urbanization development, these vital resources have been threatened by human activities. Thus, the present study has prioritized and compared ES in two different types of PAs, including Lar national park and Kavdeh wildlife refuge in Iran (Tehran province). ES in the study areas was identified and prioritized using the Delphi method based on experts’ viewpoints, theoretical studies and characteristics of studied areas. In this regard, remote sensing techniques were also used to prepare the LULC map as the most important ES in the study areas. Then these services were quantified using the benefit transfer approach. As the results illustrate, in Lar national park, according to the IUCN classification and the main objectives in national parks, the highest ES priority is related to cultural services. Whereas, the lowest ES is allocated to regulating services, due to ecological restrictions and legal prohibitions in exploitation of this area. In Kavdeh wildlife refuge, the highest ES priority is related to regulating services, and the lowest ES is visible in cultural services, due to the lack of legal prohibitions in human activities development and the lowest degree of protection among different types of PAs. Moreover, the results indicate that in the studied areas, the highest estimated ESV is related to provision of services, due to the high importance of genetic resources in these areas. As the main goal of these areas is protection and suitable management of resources, obtained results can help prioritize these areas with different degrees of protection, preserve biodiversity values, and provide appropriate strategies to increase economic sustainability and human well-being.