Semi‑quantitative assessment of ecosystem services to propose an ecohydrology demonstration site

Natural resource management is crucial for the sustainable development of regions. Some regions combine urban infrastructure with ecohydrological environments that have not been explored or assessed in areas such as i) ecosystem services (ES), ii) the designation of protected areas, and iii) ecohydrological principles for enhancing a region’s value. The case study focuses on a coastal university campus in Ecuador. To the north-west of the campus, where the Prosperina Protective Forest is located, there are natural and restored areas, as well as forests and protected vegetation. The objective of this study is to propose the establishment of an ecohydrology demonstration site on a university campus, using a participatory and evaluative methodology to assess ecosystem services, and to promote science, education, and ecological restoration through nature-based solutions. The methodology includes: (i) a literature review of ecohydrology principles, ecosystem services, semi-quantitative assessment methods, and case study selection; (ii) identification of ES; and (iii) EHD proposal including ES assessment using the Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services method, the Ecosystem Services Index (ESI) validated by criteria provided by experts and a matrix of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for strategies establishment. This study identified 33 ES, highlighting supporting and cultural services (62%) as the most important, including water recycling, tourism, and recreation. Experts rated regulating services at 57%, compared with field visits assessment at 43%. The field visit provisioning ES (49%) is closely aligned with the experts’ assessment (51%), demonstrating the importance of water, food, material collection and genetic resources in a polytechnic community. These ES are linked to SDGs 6, 7, 11, 13 and 15 in a pilot proposal that integrates scientific and technological benefits for education and the conservation of ecosystems. This proposal strengthens sustainable management by involving teachers, pupils, and the community in understanding ecological processes within a natural laboratory, while considering criteria from 8 experts that provide a scientific basis for identifying EHDs that promote sustainable development.