A Systematic Review of Place-Based Cultural Ecosystem Service Assessments: Categories, Methods, and Research Trends
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Cultural ecosystem services are intangible benefits people gain from ecosystems that enhance well-being. However, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment indicates that about 70% of cultural ecosystem services are degraded or unsustainably used. To mitigate this decline, many regions and policies promote the assessment and mapping of cultural ecosystem services. Since 2005, related research and publications have increased, yet place-based cultural ecosystem services assessments remain limited. This study aims to clarify key aspects of cultural ecosystem services assessment, including categories, methods, and case study area types. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method, this study systematically reviewed 163 articles on place-based cultural ecosystem services assessment from Web of Science and Scopus from 2010 to September 2024. The results show diverse ecosystem types, assessment categories, and methods, with urban ecosystems most frequently studied. Fourteen cultural ecosystem service categories were identified based on term definitions and relevance. Non-monetary methods, such as questionnaires and social media data, were most commonly applied. Future research trends will focus on spatial visualization and mapping of supply and demand of cultural ecosystem services, emphasizing public perception. These findings provide planners and decision-makers with more detailed and specific information to better manage, design, and develop regions in a sustainable and culturally sensitive way.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su18020644
Institution: University of Malaya
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7118766176