Multicriteria Optimization of Ecosystem Services for Forest Management Promoting Recreation

Strategic Insights -

A new study by researchers from Technical University in Zvolen, Slovakia, has demonstrated the feasibility of optimizing ecosystem services for participative forest management to enhance recreation near tourist centers and cities. The research aimed to improve timber production, structural stability, and biodiversity within the forested landscape surrounding the historical town of Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia. The study's findings suggest that current planning practices are suboptimal, and that a more integrated approach can simultaneously increase multiple ecosystem services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study focused on the historical town of Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia, with the goal of optimizing the existing provision and infrastructure for recreation, timber production, structural stability, and biodiversity within the forested landscape.
  • The research demonstrated that it is possible to enhance timber production, recreation, biodiversity, and the overall multi-criteria utility of the forest in the area simultaneously.
  • The study concluded that current planning practices are not optimal and that a more integrated approach is necessary to increase the satisfaction of inhabitants and visitors of historical tourist cities.
  • The researchers employed multicriteria optimization to identify the best balance of ecosystem services and management objectives for the forest.
  • The study's findings suggest that respecting the requirements of key stakeholders interested in the management outcomes can lead to improved forest management practices.
  • The researchers' approach can serve as an example for other cities and tourist centers to adopt more integrated forest management strategies.

Statistics:

  • The study was conducted in the historical town of Banska Stiavnica, Slovakia.
  • The research aimed to optimize four ecosystem services: recreation, timber production, structural stability, and biodiversity.
  • The study demonstrated that it is possible to simultaneously enhance all four ecosystem services.
  • The researchers employed multicriteria optimization to identify the best balance of ecosystem services and management objectives for the forest.
  • The study was funded by Slovenska Akademia Vied; Cultural And Educational Grant Agency of The Ministry of Education Science Research And Sport of The Slovak Republic; Ministerstvo Skolstva, Vedy, Vyskumu A Sportu Slovenskej Republiky; Slovak Research And Development Agency; and the European Regional Development Fund.

Sources:

  • Multicriteria optimization of ecosystem services as a base for participative forest management promoting recreation near tourist centers and cities. Trees, Forests and People, 2025,21():100905.
  • NewsRx. Study Results from Technical University in Zvolen Broaden Understanding of Forestry (Multicriteria optimization of ecosystem services as a base for participative forest management promoting recreation near tourist centers and cities). Life Science Weekly. September 16, 2025; p 8064.