Spatio-temporal dynamics of ecosystem service value functions in response to landscape fragmentation in Boma-Gambella trans-boundary landscape, Southwest Ethiopia and East South Sudan

The study investigates the effects of landscape fragmentation on ecosystem services in the Boma-Gambella Trans-Boundary Landscape, which spans Southwest Ethiopia and East South Sudan. The data sources include satellite imagery acquired from the United States Geological Survey. Google Earth Explorer was utilized to randomly select 200 sample training points to assess the accuracy of the Land Use Land Cover classification for both 2009 and 2020. Utilizing integrated spatial modeling tools such as ArcGIS 10.7, FRAGSTAT 4.2, and benefit transfer approach, the research analyzes landscape fragmentation and the dynamics of ecosystem service value functions. The findings indicate a significant conversion of natural landscapes, resulting in increased fragmentation, a reduction in ecological land, altered landscape metrics and intensified trade-offs and mismatches in ecosystem service value functions. This leads to rapid declines in regulating and supporting services, alongside gains in provisioning services that are subject to government and investor interests, ultimately undermining local communities’ well-being and ecological stability. The model results underscore the necessity of proactive governance and management to address socio-ecological dynamics, mitigate the impacts of fragmentation, and achieve a balance among ecosystem service values. The study recommends effective landscape governance to enhance the functioning of multiple ecosystem services, resolve trade-offs, and promote synergies at landscape, regional, and global scales, offering critical policy insights for sustainable development.