Lake users’ perceptions of environmental change: Ecosystem services and disservices associated with aquatic plants

Louisa E. Wood*, Mialy Z. Andriamahefazafy, James Guilder, Christian A. Kull, Ross T. Shackleton

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Lake Léman (Lake Geneva), Switzerland, is known to have undergone major environmental change over the last few decades, including changes in the abundance, distribution, and species composition of macrophytic plants (aquatic plants). In this study, questionnaires and key informant interviews were used to assess lake users’ perceptions of broad scale environmental change in the lake paying special attention tochanges in the abundance of aquatic plants and the perceived ecosystem services (ES) and ecosystem disservices (EDS) associated with them. In addition, we assessed whether users’ perceptions of aquatic plants had an impact on perceived management need. Most respondents (63%) perceived aquatic plant abundance to have increased over the last 10 years, primarily because of climate change. Aquatic plants were seen to benefit water quality through improved regulation and supporting services, and to provide important habitat and food for fauna. Most EDS associated with increased aquatic plant abundance were categorized as cultural or economic. User perceptions of the ES and EDS associated with aquatic plants affected support for management (60% of respondents supported some form of management), and such information is important for informing environmental decision making.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1459
Number of pages15
JournalWater (Switzerland)
Volume13
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 May 2021

Keywords

  • Environmental management
  • Lake Geneva
  • Macrophytes
  • Public perception
  • Values
  • Water weeds

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lake users’ perceptions of environmental change: Ecosystem services and disservices associated with aquatic plants'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this