Forest land use change effects on biodiversity ecosystem services and human well-being: A systematic analysis

Abstract

Deforestation in the form of forest land use change (FLUC) increases the emission of greenhouse gases, disrupts the water cycle, dries the soil, and reduces the growth of plant products. This has a direct effect on the well-being of local communities whose livelihoods depend on the forest and threatens biodiversity. The systematic review aimed to analyze the studies conducted on the effects of FLUC on biodiversity ecosystem services (BECS) and human well-being (HWB) of local communities. The study utilized a qualitative content analysis (QCA) based on a deductive approach, which reviewed 114 scientific documents, particularly research articles, selected by searching keywords through a purposeful sampling method. The FLUC indicators in the two groups of dominant morphology (intensity, scale, pattern, and usage) and recessive morphology (function, property rights, and management mode) had 172 repetitions in the articles. Moreover, the BECS criteria (regulating, provisioning, supportive, and cultural services) and HWB (items related to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, subjective well-being, objective well-being, and preferences) had 125 and 148 repetitions, respectively. Results confirm the relationship and effects of FLUC on BECS and HWB, which emphasizes the mutual role of these variables in social, economic, and environmental studies in future research programs. An increase in FLUC can decline the performance and structure of BECS and have a negative impact on the HWB of those communities who depend on forest. Findings are presented in the form of a model that provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between FLUC, BECS, and HWB for relevant decision makers.

Keywords

• Climate change
• Human ecology
• Land cover change
• Deforestation
• Qualitative content analysis