Key ecosystem services of four adjacent Natura 2000 sites are assessed and mapped with participatory methods based on local knowledge in the Niraj – Tarnava Mica region, Romania
The goal of the project is to assess and map the most important ecosystem services of the area based on the perception, valuation and utilization of the services by the local residents. Supporting studies on local economic characteristics, legal environment and the most important stakeholder groups help understanding the local context. Indicators are elaborated for the selected ecosystem services based on local knowledge and long-term scenarios are built during a participatory process, considering potential changes of land use and ecosystem services in the future. Suggestions for optimal land use options are drawn from the synthesis of the above results and provided for the local and regional decision making processes.