In the rapidly urbanizing landscapes of the 21st century, understanding how city dwellers perceive and value their natural surroundings has become critical. A groundbreaking study conducted in Dalian City leverages the power of the Social Values for Ecosystem Services (SolVES) model to unravel the complex tapestry of urban ecosystem services and their social valuation. This comprehensive research sheds light on the intricate relationship between human preferences and the multifaceted benefits provided by urban ecosystems, further bridging the gap between ecological sustainability and social well-being.
The SolVES model, as a sophisticated analytical tool, enables the quantification and spatial mapping of social values attached to ecosystem services. By integrating survey data with geographic information system (GIS) technology, the researchers were able to visualize how various social values—ranging from aesthetics to biodiversity—distribute across different urban districts in Dalian. This spatial understanding not only reveals hotspots of ecosystem service appreciation but also offers invaluable insights into urban planning and conservation prioritization.
One of the most striking findings from the study is the hierarchy of social values preferred by Dalian residents and visitors. The data indicates a pronounced affinity for aesthetic qualities, cultural significance, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability. These values resonate deeply with the respondents, eclipsing more utilitarian or intangible values such as recreational opportunities, educational functions, spiritual connections, and therapeutic benefits. Such distinctions underline a pivotal dynamic in urban environmental management, where visual and cultural dimensions significantly drive public sentiment.
Diving deeper, the spatial delineation of these social values presents a varied and compelling landscape. Aesthetic and cultural values predominantly cluster within districts like SHKD, ZSD, and XGD, suggesting these areas offer visually appealing and culturally rich environments that enhance residents’ and tourists’ experiences. On the other hand, the districts XGD and GJZD emerge as epicenters for biodiversity and ecological sustainability values, highlighting zones where urban nature thrives with an emphasis on conservation and ecological integrity.
This spatial concentration of values is far from random. The researchers documented pronounced clustering patterns across all social values assessed, with aesthetic value exhibiting the most intense concentration. The strong spatial autocorrelation reflects how specific urban features, amenities, and landscape types elevate the perception and appreciation of these ecosystem services. Conversely, spiritual value, though present, displays the weakest clustering, indicating its more diffuse or individualized nature within the urban fabric.
Crucially, the study also uncovers significant interrelationships among different social value types. Rather than existing in isolation, these values interweave, interacting and influencing one another to form a holistic ecosystem service matrix. This interconnectedness signifies that urban ecosystem services should be managed through an integrated lens, recognizing that boosting one value dimension can simultaneously enhance others, thereby optimizing social benefits.
Understanding the drivers behind tourists’ preferences is another pivotal aspect explored through this model. Factors such as proximity to water bodies (hydrophilic landscapes), accessibility via transportation networks, low elevation, and gentle slopes strongly correlate with preferred locations for ecosystem services. Such insights reflect both ecological features and urban infrastructure elements that shape visitor experiences and perceptions, guiding targeted interventions to enhance visitor satisfaction and ecosystem service provision.
The concentration of social value hotspots within central urban districts highlights the synergy between urban density and ecosystem service appreciation. These central zones benefit from higher visibility, accessibility, and amenity richness, creating ideal conditions for the convergence of aesthetic and cultural values. In contrast, coldspot areas remain marginalized due to challenges like poor accessibility and limited sightlines, underscoring persistent spatial inequities in ecosystem service enjoyment within urban settings.
By mapping these hotspots and coldspots, urban planners gain a strategic compass for prioritizing green infrastructure and ecosystem service enhancements. For instance, investing in transportation linkages and green spaces in peripheral coldspot areas can mitigate accessibility issues and enhance social value distribution. Such targeted planning advances equitable urban ecosystem governance, fostering inclusivity and resilience in rapidly evolving cityscapes.
The methodology and findings of this study resonate beyond Dalian, offering a scalable model for other metropolitan regions grappling with similar challenges. The marriage of social preference data with spatial analytical techniques empowers cities globally to tune into their residents’ and visitors’ ecosystem service valuations. This approach solidifies the foundation for informed, sustainable urban growth that harmonizes human well-being with ecological stewardship.
Especially noteworthy is the study’s emphasis on integrating multiple social value dimensions rather than prioritizing ecosystem services solely by economic metrics. Recognizing aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, and therapeutic values advocates for a more nuanced, human-centered approach to urban green space management. These insights champion urban environments that not only fulfill ecological functions but also nurture cultural identity, mental health, and holistic wellness.
Moreover, the use of the SolVES model exemplifies how technological innovation in social-ecological research is unfolding. The fusion of participatory data collection and spatial modeling paves the way for dynamic, real-time ecosystem service assessments that can adapt to changing urban conditions and community priorities. This iterative capacity is crucial for cities undergoing rapid transformations and facing climate change implications.
Ecological sustainability’s strong social valuation found in this research elevates its role as a core component of urban development agendas. Residents’ keen interest in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance signals broad-based support for policies that protect native habitats, promote urban greening, and mitigate environmental degradation. Satisfying these public preferences can drive political will and resource mobilization for lasting urban conservation outcomes.
Furthermore, the patterns of aesthetic and cultural value clustering serve as cultural signposts, marking places of historical, artistic, or community importance. Protecting such areas aligns ecological preservation with cultural heritage conservation, enhancing the city’s identity and sense of place. This dual emphasis fosters cohesive urban narratives that engage both local inhabitants and tourists, enriching collective experiences.
Ultimately, this study carves out a roadmap for urban ecosystem service valuation that interlaces social science with spatial ecology. Its findings recalibrate our understanding of what urban residents cherish in their natural surroundings and how cities can evolve in harmony with nature. As cities continue to expand globally, such integrative research offers lifelines to urban planners, policymakers, and communities aiming to build greener, more vibrant, and equitable urban futures.
The implications of this research are profound for the emerging field of urban ecology and environmental psychology. By quantifying social preferences and layering them spatially, scholars and practitioners gain richer perspectives on the human-nature nexus within metropolitan contexts. This multidimensional insight fosters innovative solutions that transcend traditional urban planning silos, promoting holistic strategies for sustainable city living.
In conclusion, the Dalian case study, utilizing the SolVES model, underscores the critical importance of embedding social valuations in urban ecosystem service management. It highlights how aesthetic, cultural, biodiversity, and ecological values coalesce spatially and socially, shaping human interactions with urban nature. The insights gained here are not only valuable for Dalian but serve as a beacon guiding global cities toward sustainable, resilient, and socially attuned urban ecosystems.
Subject of Research: Social valuation and spatial distribution of urban ecosystem services in Dalian City using the SolVES model.
Article Title: Social valuation of urban ecosystem services using the SolVES model: a case study of Dalian City.
Article References:
JIANG, J., LI, C., LYU, L. et al. Social valuation of urban ecosystem services using the SolVES model: a case study of Dalian City. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 1680 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05946-x
Image Credits: AI Generated
