An assessment of soil erosion prevention by vegetation in Mediterranean Europe: Current trends of ecosystem service provision

摘要: Abstract The concept of ecosystem services has received increased attention in recent years, and is seen as a useful construct for the development policy relevant indicators communication science, practice. Soil erosion one main environmental problems European Mediterranean agro-forestry systems, making soil prevention key service to monitor assess. Here, we present spatially temporally explicit assessment provision by vegetation Europe between 2001 2013, including maps vulnerable areas. We follow recently described conceptual framework mapping regulating calculate eight process-based indicators, an profile. Results show relative increase effectiveness 2013. This particularly noticeable 2009 but it does not represent general trend across whole region. Two regional examples describe contrasting trends illustrate need assessments targets. Our results demonstrate strength having coherent complementary set inform land management decisions.