Mapping approach of ecosystem services for land-use decision planning in Africa

Abstract

Assessment of ecosystem services (ES) is vital for environmental sustainability and human wellbeing. A number of approaches are used to map the ES of a range of the types of ecosystems in various scope scales around the world. With a view of facilitating the scientific background to address the relevant methods of ES assessment, this review aims to highlight the characteristics of the studies carried out in Africa and make an idea on the recent approaches used for ES mapping. In total, 503 abstracts were reviewed to identify the relevant publications from which 48 publications were used for the review. Model-based mapping, Proxy indicators-based mapping, Remote sensing (RS) and GIS-based mapping and Expert-based mapping approaches have been found to be applied to map ES in Africa. The approach of RS and GIS basis technics was generally predominated (56.25%) where studies on wetlands and mangrove ecosystems (44.44%) and at the local scale (70.37%) were mostly documented. The domain of ES dynamics (52.94%), ES supply (41.18%) and environmental change (34.29%) were largely addressed. Excluding articles because of 10-year publications could reduce some information related to the purpose of the review. However, the evidence provided in this document represents a significant step forward in ES mapping and conservation efforts to improve the sustainability of ES in Africa.