Greenspace's value orientations of ecosystem service and socioeconomic service in China

Background: Natural ecosystems provide necessary services for human beings, including ecosystem service values (ESVs) and socioeconomic service values (SSVs). The value orientations of ESVs and SSVs are mainly related to people's interaction with nature. This study reclassified greenspace from a perspective of exposed and non-exposed greenspace based on the level of interaction by people and greenspace. We applied an expert questionnaire to survey the SSVs value orientations of forestland, grassland, wetland, and water bodies, and quantitatively compared the value orientations between the ESVs and SSVs of greenspace in China. Result: (1) The values of exposed greenspace were relatively far higher than non-exposed greenspace, as it had both ESVs and SSVs. (2) The forestland and grassland had relatively high ESVs and SSVs, and are the priority for both the exposed and non-exposed greenspace. (3) Wetland had relatively high ESVs but low SSVs, which was unpopular for exposed greenspace. (4) The ESVs and SSVs of water body were relatively balanced. Conclusion: Greenspace had both ESVs and SSVs when they are exposed to human. Our study provided an innovative perspective to explore the value orientations of greenspace, which provides an actionable scientific basis for greenspace planning, design and construction in human habitat. .

Automated summary

This study explored the value orientations of greenspace in China by surveying the socioeconomic service values (SSVs) and ecosystem service values (ESVs). The results showed that exposed greenspace had higher values compared to non-exposed greenspace, with forestland and grassland being the priority choices for both types of greenspace. Wetlands had high ESVs but low SSVs, making them unpopular for exposed greenspace. Water bodies had relatively balanced ESVs and SSVs. These findings provide a scientific basis for greenspace planning, design, and construction in human habitats.