Contributions of stakeholder perspectives and biophysical mapping to assess ecosystem services in the Upper White Nile basin

The wellbeing and livelihoods of local communities are threatened by global changes that affect ecosystem services. This study addresses the gap in comprehensive ecosystem services assessment and uses the Co$tingNature mapping tool and stakeholder’s perceptions to examine the spatial distribution of ecosystem service magnitudes and perceived local value in the Upper White Nile basin in East Africa, an area facing significant resource pressures. The analysis reveals a heterogeneous distribution of ecosystem services, with a notable concentration of ecosystem service delivery in the western regions of the basin in Uganda. The Co$tingNature assessment emphasises the widespread spatial distribution of carbon storage and sequestration and agriculture related services, while stakeholders highly value more localised services such as water provision and artisanal fisheries. Using both methods proves crucial, as Co$tingNature offers cost-effective whole-area spatial assessments, whereas stakeholder perceptions provide insights into local concerns and values. This study underscores the importance of complementing global tools with local knowledge, as these tools may otherwise lack relevance in local policy spheres. By incorporating stakeholder perspectives into conservation planning, the study highlights the need to integrate aquatic and agriculture-related ecosystem services into local policies and conservation strategies in the Upper White Nile basin. Leveraging tools like Co$tingNature alongside stakeholder perspectives enhances our understanding of ecosystem dynamics and facilitates more effective environmental management strategies in the region. This combined approach offers a practical framework for ecosystem service assessments that can both contextualise and mobilise conservation efforts, bridging the gap between locally valued services and those with global significance.