Ecosystem Services Valuation as a Tool to Strengthen Territorial Governance in Laguna de los Pozuelos, Jujuy, Argentina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18800/kawsaypacha.202602.A011Keywords:
Contributions of nature, Puna ecoregion, Wetlands, Laguna de Pozuelos, Perception, PrioritizationAbstract
The ecosystem services framework has gained relevance in protected areas management due to its potential to address biodiversity loss, resource-use conflicts, and governance challenges. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the ecosystem services provided by the Laguna de los Pozuelos and its surrounding area from the perspective of key stakeholders involved in management, research, extension activities, and local community. The methodology combined stakeholder mapping, literature review, and participatory validation and prioritization processes conducted through in-person workshops and an online questionnaire. A total of 25 ecosystem services were identified and grouped into cultural (6), provisioning (9), and regulating and maintenance (10) categories. Results reveal differentiated valuations according to stakeholders’ roles, knowledge, and territorial relationships. There was strong agreement on the importance of cultural services and water-related services as strategic resources, while divergences emerged regarding less visible regulating services. These findings highlight the need to integrate multiple perspectives into protected areas planning and support the development of participatory and co-management strategies that strengthen both biodiversity conservation and local well-being.
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