Forest changes due to human activities in the National Park "Fruška Gora” (Serbia): Ecological and economic indicators

Abstract

Forest ecosystems are the source of multiple goods and services to humans, the provision of which is deemed to be conditioned by biodiversity. If so, the value of biodiversity has to become apparent to society and, especially, decision makers. The aim of this study was to demonstrate this value. Biodiversity changes were investigated along different stages of forest disturbance in the National Park "Fruška Gora". Both quantitative (structural diversity, species diversity) and qualitative aspects (functional traits of species) have been observed. Parallel analysis of the provision level of certain forest products, resulting from the given forest state, was performed and monetarily expressed. The results indicate that biodiversity lowers with higher disturbance. Moreover, benefits accrue with higher biodiversity. The approach also proved useful in estimating the ecosystem’s ability to maintain its functionality; however, further exploration of these links will be needed. This is necessary in future work if biodiversity conservation incentives are to be created.

Keywords

• biodiversity
• forest ecosystems
• ecosystem services
• economic valuation