Cultural ecosystem services trade-offs arising from agriculturization in Argentina: A case study in Mar Chiquita Basin

Abstract

The agriculturization process reflects both the expansion and intensification of land use arising from the generalization of industrial cropping in Argentina. This process has potentially deep and partially unknown trade-offs arising from the increase in agricultural commodities production (eg. soybean) at expenses of cultural ecosystem services and traditional livelihoods. The aim of our study was to evaluate the extent and mechanisms by which agriculturization has affected the opportunities for recreation and tourism (OR&T), taking as a case study the Mar Chiquita Basin (Argentina). An OR&T indicator was created by combining individual preferences and biophysical landscape data and changes between years 2000 and 2014 were analyzed. Preferences data were obtained through semi-structured interviews to different local actors (eg. ecotourists) and were combined with spatial data (eg. local attractions). Agriculturization maps were created analyzing land cover changes (cultivated versus others) for the same period. OR&T and agriculturization maps were physically overlaid to evaluate the magnitude and location of trade-offs. The resulting map showed a relatively low and spatially diffuse trade-off relationship between commodity production and OR&T, derived from land cover changes. However, these trade-offs were deeply perceived as adverse by the interviewees, involving dimensions as the loss of good water quality, biodiversity and rural houses inhabited due to the increased use of agrochemicals and machinery, presence of feedlots and landscape homogenization. These results support the adverse effects that land use intensification can have on people wellbeing, which should be considerated in the evaluation of economic policies and decisions that transform the landscape.Keywords: Cultural ecosystem services; Industrial agriculture; Mapping ecosystem services; Opportunities for recreation and tourism; Rural landscapes.