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- Snäll, Tord, et al.
(författare)
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Mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services : – the Swedish Forest Pilot
- 2014
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The overall objectives of the MAES (Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystem Services) project was to synthesise what information is available at EU and Member State scales in terms of data and indicators in order to facilitate Member States’ work when i)identifying and prioritising which ecosystems and services to map and assess; ii) identifying what data are available or needed; and iii) linking biodiversity and ecosystem condition to ecosystem services and human well-being.The Swedish Forest pilot project contributed to these objectives for forests. However, it also went one step further to test an approach for mapping multiple ecosystem services in forests at a national level. The aim of this second part of the pilot study was to investigate the potential to map ecosystem services based on prediction with models that have been fitted to field data on the ecosystem services as a function of mapped environmental variables that that have been obtained by modelling or remote sensing. We also briefly discuss limitations to identify synergies and trade-offs from maps of ecosystem services. The work undertaken by all the MAES Pilots in 2013 (including forests) shows that there is a big potential for using data that already exists and combining these data into a coherent and integrated ecosystem assessment. The pilots have assembled an extensive list of indicators, which can be used, together with a typology and map of ecosystems to make a first assessment of ecosystem condition and ecosystem services. However, there are also several issues that remain to be resolved in the future. This includes more research on the links between biodiversity and ecosystem services, in particular for cultural services. It is also clear that whereas data may already exist, for instance as NFI data, additional modelling and analyses are needed before mapping can be done.As for the pilot mapping, this study highlights some of the possibilities, but also some of the difficulties in using NFI data for nation-wide mapping of ecosystem services. Models for the prediction of ecosystem services need to be built. These models are constrained by the availability and resolution of potential predictor variables that also have to be available on a national scale. However, ecosystem service maps for different habitats and for biodiversity provide opportunities to increase the potential for the management of ecosystems and their services across sectors, and thus to form a basis for a dialogue for actors that have an interest in forest and ecosystem services in general. This could be especially important in landscape management, for instance in building a green infrastructure.
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| 2. |
- Wennberg, Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Mercury concentrations in pregnant women in circumpolar Sweden (Kiruna)
- 2018
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- High exposure to mercury have been found in populations living in circumpolar areas, due to high consumption of sea food and accumulation of mercury closer to the north pole. The developing fetus is especially sensitive to effects of mercury. Exposure to mercury has previously been examined in pregnant women in Sweden, but not in pregnant women residing in Sweden north of the polar circle.In the years 2015-2016, mercury was measured in whole blood from 51 pregnant women living in the city of Kiruna in circumpolar Sweden, taking part in an international comparison between eight circumpolar countries. This report presents the Swedish results on mercury concentrations and associations with some exposure determinants. Also, compliance to dietary advice on fish consumption, appointed to fertile women, was examined.The median concentration of total-Hg in whole blood was 0.40 μg/L (min, max; <0.40, 1.88) among the 51 pregnant women in Kiruna. This is similar or lower compared to concentrations of mercury in pregnant women in other parts of Sweden. None of the women in the study had concentrations of mercury that are considered as dangerous.Mercury concentrations were associated with total fish consumption but not to consumption of predatory fish, known to be higher in mercury. All of the women in the study had knowledge about dietary advice on fish consumption. One woman exceeded the recommended consumption of predatory fish, limited due to risk of high mercury content, but this woman did not have high concentrations of mercury. While the vast majority of women thus followed the recommendations of not eating too much polluted fish, only 15 % of the women reported sufficient fish consumption to comply with the dietary advice (2-3 times/week).In conclusion, pregnant women in circumpolar Sweden have low exposure to mercury, and do not deviant from pregnant women in other parts of Sweden. Knowledge about dietary advice on fish consumption appointed to fertile women is very good. The public health concern though, is that pregnant women in circumpolar Sweden do not eat enough fish.
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