How geographical factors and decision-makers' perceptions influence the prioritization of ecosystem services: Analysis in the Spanish rice field areas in RAMSAR Mediterranean wetlands

Mediterranean wetlands provide many ecosystem services to humans and other organisms. However, these services are being increasingly damaged. The prioritization of ecosystem services is essential to start a decision-making process focused on environmental policies, highlighting the necessity of equilibrium between sustainability and human well-being. This study analyzes the similarities and differences among the ecosystem services provided by the Spanish RAMSAR Mediterranean wetlands, where rice production is the main economic activity. These areas are the Ebro Delta, the Albufera Natural Park and the Guadalquivir Marshes (Donana Biosphere Reserve). Despite being different areas, environmental and agricultural policies sometimes treat their characteristics without distinction since they are conceptually englobed in the same category. This analysis aims to study whether geographical and sociocultural factors could influence the prioritization of ecosystem services. The prioritization of the three study areas was con-ducted using the Analytic Network Process (ANP), a multi-criteria decision-making method which allows decision -makers to manage the ecosystem's complexity. The results are helpful for future policies and in understanding the complex network of interconnections among ecosystem services. Additionally, results show that there are statistically significant differences in priorities among the three study areas due to geographical and cultural reasons. Moreover, results have also shown that decision-makers judgements influenced the priorities depending on their background and personal or professional preferences. It emphasizes the necessity of implementing environmental policies from a theoretical and global scale to a participatory and local one, considering a broader range of stakeholders' perceptions to reflect the complexity of the ecosystem services network.

Automated summary

Mediterranean wetlands provide important ecological services but are increasingly damaged. This study analyzes the ecosystem services provided by Spanish wetlands and examines the prioritization of these services using a decision-making method. The results highlight the differences and influences of geographical and cultural factors on the prioritization of ecosystem services. Decision-makers' judgements also play a role in setting priorities, emphasizing the need for participatory and local environmental policies.