Clustering Spatially Explicit Bundles of Ecosystem Services in A Central European Region

Ecosystem Services (ES) are classified into three main categories: regulating, provisioning and cultural. However, spatially explicit bundles of ES may not necessarily conform to these groups. In this study, bundles of ES were explored in a central European region to identify spatial associations. We estimated the provisions of 31 ES using the CORINE land use land cover dataset and assessed the clustering using principal component analysis. Five clusters of ES were identified and did not completely represent the three traditional groups. Our results suggest that clustering should consider geographical features to identify ES bundles that work together independently. The spatially explicit characterisation of ES bundles is fundamental to determine the trade-offs and synergies to support adequate policy making.