Author: JONAS, M. D. G. B.

Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Faculdade de Agronomia e Engeharia Florestal, Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Moçambique, Maputo

Abstract

Introduction

Climate change and other related disturbances are reshaping cultural ecosystem services. While regulating, supporting and provisioning services are easily measured and presented with more tangible relations to people's well-being, cultural ecosystems are understood to be intangible.

Objective

This paper explores cultural ecosystem services as a gateway for local climate knowledge and the co-creation of knowledge for climate change adaptation.

Methodology

We conducted a narrative review that outlines existing knowledge on the topic. While examining the literature, we built the discussion by focusing on thirty studies published between 2003 and 2024.

Results

From the review, we conclude: 1) Climate change imposes limitations on local populations benefiting from ecosystem services; awareness of preserving ecosystems will contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and enhance the advantages of ecosystems; 2) There is a slight movement toward further studies in cultural ecosystem services, but they have not yet been fully addressed in the literature. Compared to other categories of ecosystem services, cultural ecosystem services are underrepresented and relegated in research and policy;  and 3) Participatory approaches and collaborations are essential to create common ground for understanding cultural ecosystem services and co-create knowledge, valuing local populations' positions in climate action.

Conclusions

Generally, the paper raises awareness among scholars in different fields (natural and social sciences) and policymakers across several sectors to actively promote the co-creation of knowledge and other arrangements based on collaborative efforts. Thus, the study highlights the need for more recognition of socioecological principles to show the prominence of local expertise created within cultural settings and promote people's well-being in the context of climate change. 

Keywords: Climate Change, Cultural Ecosystem Services, Local Knowledge, Collaborations