Ecosystem Service Value Changes in Response to Land Use Dynamics in Lithuania

Abstract

Changes in land cover affect ecosystems and the services they provide. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial changes in land use from 1990 to 2018 and analyze the changes in ecosystem service value (ESV) in response to the changes in landscape structure in Lithuania. Croplands provided the majority of the ESV, followed by forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The total ESV in Lithuania was USD 29 billion year−1 in 2018, and land use had a significant impact on ESV, with a total decrease of USD 438 million year−1 between 1990 and 2018. The total ESV change was mainly influenced by the decrease in provisioning (USD 426 million year−1) and regulating (USD 208 million year−1) services. The reduction in cropland area was a major factor in the loss of ESV. The increase in the value of habitat and cultural services was not large enough to offset the reduction of the ESV. The highest elasticities were in the urban municipalities, indicating a significant change in ESV due to land use change. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the potential of the sustainable management and regeneration of ecosystems.