THE USE OF GIS IN THE ASSESSMENT OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Rezumat

Humanity is highly dependent on functioning ecosystems and natural capital, which underpin a constant flow of ecosistem services (ES) from nature to society. ES maps are a very important tool for bringing ES into practical applications. With the help of an ecosystem services potential assessment matrix and GIS analysis, a set of maps was created at the level of „Porțile de Fier” Natural Park, for 4 ecosystem services: global climate regulation, water purification, crop production, recreation and tourism. The park has a high potential for all of the ecosystem services mentioned, except production/crops. Forests offer the greatest potential for these services. Ecosystem services are the contributions of ecosystem structure and function (in combination with other resources) to human well-being.