Section

Ecology

Title

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ASSESSMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH - A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EXPERTISE AND APPROACHES IN RUSSIAN AND GERMAN CITIES

Сontributors

D. O. Dushkova, Cand. of Geogr. Sc., Scientific Employee of the Geographic Faculty, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,

D.Haase, D. of Geogr. Sc., Professor, Director of the Institute at the Geography, Gumbol'd University, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,

A. V. Evseev, D. of Geogr. Sc., Professor of the Geographic Faculty, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

A comparative analysis and assessment of ecosystem services (ES) was conducted in cities of Russia (Kirovsk and Archangelsk) and Germany (Leipzig and Berlin) under the framework of urban sustainable development research. Taking into consideration the specifics of the economic and environmental conditions of both study areas, we examine main values of ES as ecological buffer and balancing zones in the city. The analysis revealed that ES values greatly vary in the four cities, following the distribution and quality of green areas. Most importance have climate regulation ES along with the supply of green spaces in all cities. Methodically, we have employed field mapping, medical-statistical methods as well semistructured interviews in order to get information about the perceptions of ES by the beneficiaries. Most important health values provided by ES include local temperature regulation by urban vegetation (counteracting heating and cooling of areas), air purification, and buffering of noise pollution also provided by urban green spaces. Thus, greening provides substantial long-term benefits to cities and their residents which help to decrease respiratory (asthma) and skin diseases up to 20 %. At the same time, they can be a source of inspiration and mental health and well-being for people.

Keywords

Ecosystem services, city, human health, climate regulation, morbidity reduction, Russia, Germany.

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