CONICYT POSTDOCTORADO N° 130633: Spatial Assessment of ecosystem services affected by coupling human-nature systems at the landscape scale in the Chiloé archipiélago

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RESUMEN

Chiloé archipelago due to its large biodiversity, high degree of endemism, and critical conservation status has been classified by the Global 200 initiative of WWF and the World Bank among the most threatened in the world (Nauhelhual et al., 2006; Olson and Dinerstein, 1998). Chiloé archipelago represents an interesting territory not only because its unique biodiversity but also the coexistence of two different coupled human-nature systems; the local indigenous communties of Huilliche and the modern economical models. The main objective of this research proposal is to investigate the role of the two coupled human-nature systems (indigenous and globalised) on the ecosystem services provision, searching the beneficiaries of the services and goods, identifying anthropogenic impacts on ecosystem services and biodiversity and researching on how can be reduced. The final aim is the provision of spatial information in order to be use by stakeholders in the process of decision making and landscape management in a sustainable manner. To demonstrate the present research capacity for developing maps at different spatial scales that quantify the flow of ecosystem services. To identify methods for assessing and reporting on ecosystem service targets and trade-offs and synergies between them. Maps can help to identify conflicts and synergies and indicate places or areas where particular ES or biodiversity aspects are threatened. Maps are also heuristically useful for initiating discussions about solutions and as visualisations for alternatives (simulations). But not all the ES units, pressures, drivers and flows have the same map-ability. Some variables can be seen in a aerial photography support, other are needed to be maped from a collection of field observation methods, and other variables need to be mapped from data models with geoestatistical methodologies. We plan to carry out three level of mapping methods; Direct and indirect and modelling mappings. Direct mapping from remote sensing and aerial photography for the ES variables which can be seen from these supports. Indirect mapping to develop maps from transforming field data of ES and variables and gathered into GIS. We plan to use for the mapping and spatial modelling a series of techniques based on geostatistics that provide tools for modelling with deterministic methods. Then it allows to produce estimation and simulation processes with probabilistic Bayesian approach to handle data uncertainty or scarcity. This research project expect to have the following outcomes; it will provide quantification on which are the impacts of couple human-nature systems on ES at the landscape scale. It will quantify the attributes of ecosystems that contribute to service provision which is crucial to provide guidelines for land management and policy development. The final outcome of the research proposed is the definition of a proposed sustainable model of development at the landscape scale in Chiloe based on the results obtained from the assessment on the coupled human-nature systems impacts on ecosystem services. This project will inherently increase my scientific productivity allowing me to publish scientifically the results, attending meetings and congresses to present my research and guiding potential postgraduate students interested to develop research on the topics of the project.

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INVESTIGADOR RESPONSABLE:

Luis Rodruigez Outeiro

EJECUCIÓN

2013 – 2015