Equivalency and Similarity Assessment of Forest Ecosystem Services by a Multi-Point Field Survey in Nagoya City, Japan

抄録

Urban forests provide a variety of benefits to citizens, including micro climate regulation, soil erosion regulation, and wildlife habitats. Under the biodiversity offset system, the equivalency and similarity of biodiversity and ecosystem services (BD/ESs) are important but controversial issues. The purpose of this study is to develop a simple method to assess aspects of the equivalency and similarity of forest BD/ESs and consider their applicability to biodiversity conservation policy. The study was conducted on a selection of 41 forests in Nagoya City. Several combinations of forests were recognized as similar providers of BD/ESs. Historical land-use change was also important in assessing forest equivalency and similarity for biodiversity conservation policy.