The interplay of land use change and ecosystem service sustainability
Abstract
The relationship between land use change and ecosystem service sustainability has become a crucial area of study in recent decades. Human-induced modifications to land cover through urbanization, agriculture, deforestation, and industrial development directly influence the functionality and sustainability of ecosystem services, which provide vital benefits to both humans and nature. This article explores the complex interplay between land use changes and the sustainability of ecosystem services, analyzing key drivers of land use change and their effects on the provision, regulation, and maintenance of ecosystem services. It highlights the role of ecosystem-based management approaches, policy interventions, and the integration of ecosystem service assessments into land use planning to maintain sustainable ecosystem service delivery. The findings suggest that while land use changes can degrade ecosystem services, strategic land management can mitigate these negative impacts and enhance the resilience of ecosystems.