Researchers Dr. Vita Žledner and Rok Brišnik have published an article in a special issue of the journal Ecosystem Srvices

A scientific article titled “Integrating public perception and expert knowledge in mapping and assessing cultural ecosystem services in peri-urban landscapes” has been published in the journal Ecosystem Services (Elsevier). The authors are Dr. Vita Žlender and Rok Brišnik from UIRS.

The article is included in the special issue ES & Resilient Landscapes, which addresses the contribution of ecosystem services to landscape resilience and sustainable spatial management. The study focuses on cultural ecosystem services in peri-urban landscapes of Ljubljana, Kranj, and Koper. The authors developed a methodological approach that combines participatory mapping by residents with expert assessment. The researchers analyzed spatial distribution of cultural ecosystem services in peri-urban landscapes and the relationship between their provision potential and perceived importance to peri-urban landscape users.

The results showed that users value peri-urban landscapes primarily for recreation, is aesthetic quality and opportunities for social interaction. Surprisingly, forests were often identified as areas with a lower perceived value of cultural ecosystem services. The findings also highlight the importance of proximity, accessibility and local knowledge in spatial planning.

The findings contribute to a better understanding of cultural ecosystem services in peri-urban landscapes and provide an important basis for their more effective integration into spatial policies, planning practices, and the management of protected and multi-purpose landscapes.

The article is freely available at the following link:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2026.101874