Quantitative Evaluation and Visualization of Ecosystem Services in Planning Stage of Blue Infrastructure Development

Abstract

When planning and designing a blue infrastructure, the ecosystem function of the infrastructure is considered, but the multiple ecosystem services of the infrastructure are not. Therefore, we evaluated ecosystem services of an artificial beach using a quantitative evaluation method of ecosystem services that can visualize ecosystem services and relate economic values to natural and social systems. The evaluation results were presented at meetings of the artificial beach attended by about 20 administrators, local NPOs, experts, and researchers. Through these meetings, the needs of stakeholders in terms of ecosystem services were reflected in the planning and design of the artificial beach. It also provided stakeholders with a better understanding of not only the characteristics of the ecosystem services of the artificial beach, but also their management with a view to maintaining ecosystem services.