Kommunen och ekosystemtjänsterna - En fallstudie över Lunds kommuns möjligheter till geografisk kartläggning av ekosystemtjänster ur ett översiktligt perspektiv

Sammanfattning: The degradation of ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity occurs at an alarming rate. This results in an imbalance of ecosystem functions, leading to a loss of ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are benefits which humans can derive from ecosystems and their internal processes, thus vital to preserve from a societal perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibilities for mapping ecosystem services in a Swedish municipal context using geographical data as a basis. Through a case study of Lund municipality the study explores the application of the ecosystem service concept and how geographical data is utilized. The methods used include a qualitative text analysis of municipal documents, context-based selection of ecosystem services as well as geographical data inventory and an overlay analysis to explore what possibilities geographical data presents to map ecosystem services. The results indicate that Lund municipality has included the ecosystem service concept in several documents, although a gap between theoretical concept use and practical application seems to exist. The availability of geographical data suitable to map ecosystem services in a municipal context appears good, though the suitability of geographical mapping as a method varies between ecosystem services. The municipal context presents a suitable spatial scale for mapping studies as it matches the geographical scope of local Swedish governing structures. The main aspects in need of further studying according to the results include data management and optimization, as well as how to account for temporal variations in ecosystem service potential.