Search

This paper investigates what 'cultural ecosystem services' are important for nomadic herders' well-being in Mongolian pasturelands, and how nomads' knowledge facilitates understanding of these cultural ecosystem services. Nomads' appreciation of cultural ecosystem services is an aspect of their local knowledge and practices. Interviews, focus group discussions, and a household survey were conducted in the case study area of north-east Mongolia to understand what the main cultural ecosystem services relied upon at a local level are, and how people perceive their benefits. The key cultural ecosystem services supporting their well-being are historical and cultural heritage, sacred and religious landscape values, inspirational values of landscape and the symbolic and aesthetic meaning of the landscape. The paper contributes to debates regarding cultural ecosystem services assessment by addressing the importance of memories and perceptions of local communities and emphasising its importance for local decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herders in Mongolia have adapted to changing environmental conditions over thousands of years through innovations in pasture and herd management practices, knowledge, collective institutions and mobility strategies, yet they now face unprecedented climate risks threatening their livelihoods, economies and ways of life. This paper presents the results of a study into how herder communities adapt to climate change and the potential role an ecosystem services approach could play in informing the development of effective adaptation strategies. The findings are based on semi-structured interviews with herders, key informants, focus group discussions and a survey of nomadic households in Northeast Mongolia. The benefits of pasture ecosystem services have changed considerably due to climatic and socio-economic changes in the Mongolian steppe resulting in degradation of the pastureland and water resources. The ways that traditional ecological knowledge and practices can support adaptation to climate change are explored. In particular, the seasonal movement of nomads represents a valuable form of knowledge and practice of adaptation in response to the changes in temperate dryland ecosystems. To continue to maintain mobility as part of adaptation strategies other adaptation actions are required, such as the implementation of an appropriate livestock insurance systems that addresses climate and weather risks, and restoration of dryland ecosystem services, notably through reforestation and improvement of water supplies. Further changes in the pastureland ecosystems may lead to further adaptations in nomadic livelihoods, leveraging nomadic herders' knowledge of local ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In Mongolian local plans, provisioning services are emphasised, but regulating and supporting services are not. • Ecosystem services thinking can benefit local land use planning substantially. • In traditional nomadic culture, belonging to, benefiting from, and caring for, nature are fused. • Climate change is taking local communities beyond their historical experience. • Framing and power differences need to be worked with closely for effective planning. Interest in using an ecosystem services approach in environmental decision making and natural resources management has increased markedly, however, use of this approach at a local level, particularly in the developing world, is challenging. Mongolian pastoral society provides an opportunity to investigate what is possible. Focus groups, interviews with key informants, decision-makers, experts and nomadic herders, and a policy workshop, were used to explore its applicability. These were complemented by a policy document analysis that assessed the level of sensitivity to ecosystem services in current land use planning practice. The study demonstrates that a sensitivity to provisioning ecosystem services is integral to traditional nomadic pastureland management. Consideration of regulating and supporting services is less developed. Exploring options for nomadic herders adapting to climate change brought out some of the challenges and opportunities of bringing traditional culture into dialogue with ecosystem services thinking. Ecosystem services thinking arrives at the local level down a governance hierarchy, and this creates risks of marginalization of local interests and understandings. Finding ways to leverage local knowledge and to use ecosystem services thinking to empower local communities are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fourteen early-career specialists (ECS) share their perspectives on engagement. • Challenges in engaging people in ES could limit the influx of new talent. • ECS possess perspectives and skills valuable to broadening the reach of ES. • Recommendations provide actionable steps for increasing meaningful engagement. The Ecosystem Services community needs to think carefully about how to develop and engage the next generation of leaders. Entering the field presents both challenges and rewards for early-career specialists (ECS). In this commentary, we provide recommendations for meaningful engagement of ECS in an effort to grow and broaden the value of ecosystem services as a framework for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]