2017 Volume 81 Issue 4 Pages 293-299
In order to visualize the structure of human well-being derived from the marine ecosystem services of coastal areas, a comparative analysis was conducted between two region (Hinase, Okayama and Ishigaki, Okinawa) where different utilization patterns of the ecosystem services are expected. Satisfaction level and interactions of the five components of human well-being (Security, Basic materials for a good life, Health, Good social relations, and Freedom of choice and action), as defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment of the United Nations, were investigated based on a questionnaire survey. Structure Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis demonstrated a common hierarchical structure of human well-being in two regions. The SEM analysis showed that the satisfaction level for ‘Security’ and ‘Basic materials for a good life’ worked as explanatory variables among five components, affecting ‘Freedom of choice and action’ as dependent variables through the effects on ‘Health’ and ‘Good social relations’ as intermediate variables in both regions. However, the intensities of the interactions among five components differed between the two regions. In Hinase, a significant effect on ‘Health’ consequently affected satisfaction with ‘Security’ which in turn increased ‘Freedom of choice and action’. In contrast, in Ishigaki, a significant effect on ‘Good social relations’ affected satisfaction with ‘Basic materials for a good life’ which in turn increased ‘Freedom of choice and action’. These results suggest that the differences observed in the structure of human wellbeing originate from the different utilization patterns of the marine ecosystem services between the two regions.
