Changes of the ecosystem structure in rural areas on the example of the Łubowo commune (Wielkopolska region)

Abstract

Land cover and land use changes are among the main drivers of ecosystems’ transformation in rural areas. On the one hand, these changes allow to meet essential social and economic needs and, on the other hand, pose a risk to the ecological stability of rural areas and their ability to generate a wide range of ecosystem services. This study proposes a methodology for identifying changes in the structure of the main ecosystems’ types using the land register data and recommendations of the European Union Working Group on Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services. We conducted a case study for the rural commune of Łubowo (Wielkopolska Voivodeship). The com- mune is predominantly agricultural; it is crossed by communication routes connecting the cities of Poznań and Gniezno. The paper describes changes in the structure of the main types of ecosystems in the commune within the years 2010–2021. The results show a decrease in a land area representing agricultural ecosystems (by 4.2% in total). The loss of agroecosystems occurred mainly in favor of ur- banized ecosystems, particularly communication, residential and industrial areas. The increase in ur- banized areas centers around villages with an expressway or a railway line. Apart from the increasing urbanization, growth in the area of forest ecosystems was observed (by 9.2%). The latter was mainly due to the afforestation of marginal soils and wasteland. Based on commonly available land register data, the presented methodology for diagnosing changes in the ecosystems’ structure may be applied to other rural areas in Poland. This type of analysis provides a basis for more effective management of local development by considering the role of ecosystems in maintaining the quality of life and the socio-economic development of rural areas more thoroughly