METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF A SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN PROTECTED AREAS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/naturaljournal.17.2026.30Keywords:
protected areas, ecosystem services management, systems modeling, cognitive modeling, eco-efficiency, ecological balance, ecosystem-based management principlesAbstract
The article explores the theoretical and methodological principles of the formation of a system for managing ecosystem services in protected areas from the standpoint of an integrated ecologicallyoriented approach. It is substantiated that modern approaches to managing ecosystem services are mostly focused on the economic assessment of natural resources and do not ensure proper restoration of natural processes and maintenance of ecological balance. The relevance of the transition from sectoral to systemic management of protected areas as complex socio-ecological systems is determined. The paper analyzes modern scientific approaches and international methodologies (MEA, TEEB, CICES), which allowed to systematize research areas in the field of ecosystem services, in particular their classification, economic assessment, legal regulation and management. The insufficient development of a comprehensive methodology focused on the priority of the ecological component in making management decisions was established. A systems approach to ecosystem services management is proposed, which involves the integration of environmental, socio-economic and management components into a single model. A conceptual management model based on the use of cognitive modeling, matrix analysis and scenario forecasting methods has been developed. This allows formalizing the relationships between system components, assessing their sustainability and predicting the consequences of management decisions. The principles of an ecologically-oriented approach are substantiated, including: preservation of ecosystem integrity and biodiversity, integrated management, adaptability, prevention, openness and responsibility, as well as systematic effectiveness assessment. It is proven that the priority of ecological criteria in the formation of ecosystem services ensures a balance between socio-economic activity and the restoration of natural resources. The practical significance of the results lies in the possibility of applying the proposed model to substantiate effective management decisions in protected areas and ensure long-term environmental and socio-economic stability.
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