Assessing ecosystem services in wetlands through importance–performance analysis: evidence from lower Gangetic plain region, India

The wetland ecosystem plays a crucial role in both ecological potentiality and human wellbeing by providing essential ecosystem services. To truly understand the socio-economic complexities of local communities within wetland landscapes, it is essential to delve into the realm of their satisfaction availing these services. In this context, the perceptions of the local people regarding the importance and performance of ecosystem services become pivotal determinants for effective ecosystem service management. Therefore, the current study aims to identify and assess ecosystem services in six wetlands located in the Murshidabad district, which is part of the lower Gangetic plain region in India. This will be achieved by employing the Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services and Importance-Performance Analysis methods. This study involves comprehensive surveys, semi-structured interviews, and participatory exercises conducted with a total of 205 households in six wetlands surrounding villages from 2021 to 2023. The importance and performance of ecosystem services are categorized into four quadrants: Quadrant I (high perceived importance and performance), Quadrant II (low perceived importance and high perceived performance), Quadrant III (low perceived importance and performance), and Quadrant IV (high perceived importance and low perceived performance).The results indicate that Balagachi Damus and Bangsabati Beel exhibit more than 80% of ecosystem services in Quadrant I, signifying both high perceived importance and performance. In contrast, Chaltiya Beel, Ahiran Lake, and Bishnupur are three wetlands where over 24% of the ecosystem services fall into Quadrant IV, indicating high importance but low perceived performance. Notably, Chaltiya Beel is the sole wetland with nearly 18% of ecosystem services falling into Quadrant III. The study further establishes four prioritization levels (high, medium, low, and very low) for ecosystem services. Waste disposal, Jute retting, water supply (drinking and bathing), and maintenance of hydrological regimes emerge as highly prioritized, while microclimate regulation, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling are deemed low priority. The validation of the results emphasizes that Bishnupur and Chaltiya Beel, lacking riverine connections suffer from significant water pollution and act as a barrier to the flow of ecosystem services. It also reveals that where as the average improvement index is low for Balagachi Damus (0.15), it is high for Ahiran Lake (0.66). Consequently, wetland priority based on the average improvement index is ranked as follows: Ahiran (very high), Chhatiani Beel, Bishnupur Beel, Bangsabati Beel, Chaltiya Beel, and Balagachi Damus (very low). These findings serve as valuable guidance for policymakers for prioritizing the protection of wetlands and wetland-based ecosystem services.