A multi-temporal assessment and mapping of lake recreation ecosystem services: an example from Trakai region (Lithuania)

Abstract

Lake ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services (ES). From the multitude of ES provided, recreation emerges as one of the most important due to its link to water-related activities, thus, supporting the socio-economic dynamics of local communities. Ensuring the supply of ES is key, hence, it is necessary to understand its temporal dynamics. In this study, we assess and map recreation ES supply following a multi-temporal perspective, in one of the most touristic lakes in Lithuania. Recreation ES suplly is represented by two components: natural and cultural. The results show a decrease in ES supply between 1990 and 2018. This decrease can be mainly linked to an increasing urban expansion in the region, affecting the natural recreation supply. Statistically significant differences were observed between the years, demonstrating the temporal dynamics of ES supply. Spatially, the highest supply is in the proximity of Trakai town, where numerous cultural infrastructures are located (e.g., restaurants, museums, accommodation). Low areas were located in agricultural land where the density of cultural infrastructures was low. The results are important to demonstrate the non-static nature of ES supply and to identify high and low supply areas. This information is key to supporting spatial planning and environmental management.