Perceptions of the impact of alien plants in urban environments
Many alien plant species are introduced into urban environments to create or restore ecosystem services. This can include planting species for regulating services including climate, floods and water quality and cultural services for recreation, aesthetic and spiritual benefits. However, some species can spread from their planted positions and negatively impact on ecosystem services creating ecosystem ‘disservices’. In the present study, an online and face to face questionnaire was conducted to assess the perceptions of urban residents regarding their capacity to provide ecosystem services and ecosystem disservices. The results of the questionnaire showed that most residents perceive invasive alien plants negatively and agreed that they provide ecosystem disservices rather than promoting ecosystem services, however, many recognise their importance in providing ecosystem services. Although most residents are not opposed to the management of invasive alien plants, such actions were not perceived as high priority relative to other environmental problems. Socio-demographic variables such as age, education, environmental awareness, and ethnicity shape urban residents' perceptions of invasive alien plants in urban areas. Older, more educated respondents were more likely to perceive alien plants negatively, while respondents with greater environmental awareness were aware of the benefits provided by alien plants. This study highlights the need to integrate public perceptions into the planning and management of invasive alien plants and emphasises the importance of including ecosystem service assessments into the decision-making process, particularly in urban areas.
Sources
Potgieter L, Gaertner M, O’Farrell PJ, Richardson DM (2018) Perceptions of impact: Invasive alien plants in the urban environment. Journal of Environmental Management. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.080