Abstract

Biosphere Reserves (BR) as regional sustainability models focused on conservation, sustainable development and logistical support functions are essential for the natural support of local and regional territories. This paper analyses the landscape structure of a BR containing officially protected natural areas, productive lands and peri-urban areas. It analyses their links to landscape sustainability by quantifying the potential provision of ecosystem services. Landscape structure was studied over a period of 26 years (1989-2015). Researchers used satellite imagery to calculate land cover change and landscape metrics. Then the change in the potential supply of ecosystem services was calculated and used as an indicator for landscape sustainability based on a qualitative assessment of the potential supply of BR land covers. The results show significant changes in the BR landscape in the studied period. However, no major changes were observed in the supply of ecosystem services. Policies for territorial planning in peri-urban areas should monitor the structure of the landscape to evaluate its ability to guarantee long-term supply of ecosystem services. In this regard it is important to conduct research that helps design better tools and policies associated with the conservation and the sustainable use of landscapes