An Approach for Estimating Ecosystem Services as Indicator System for Landscape Management: Petri Net Framework

Abstract

Ernest A. Fongwa

Modelling and simulation using Petri nets offer an approach for estimating Ecosystem Services (ES) at the landscape scale. This can be possible when considering their demand and supply on activities that lead to reduction and improvement of them at the landscape scale, especially in relation to multi-agent. Even though, this is a complex process, but identifying and describing these relationships can be a way further. Petri net modelling framework offers a clear advantage in this respect. This paper presents the first attempt of using Petri net as a modelling tool to estimate ES. The Petri net is constructed to model the flow of ES after a particular transition event within a landscape. The objective is to provide a modelling framework for estimating ES based on indicator systems that can support their management at the landscape. Aggregated data collected from the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Spreewald (BRS)-Germany is used for experimentation of the model on a real scenario application. The Petri net estimation technique and indicator system for landscape management of ES are discussed in more details.

PDF