Community perceptions about mangrove ecosystem services and threats

The Ecosystem Service Framework discloses the ecosystem’s benefits to society and provides support preserve threatened systems while considering economic social dimensions of communities more dependent on its resources. Mangroves provide important valuable goods services communities, at different spatial temporal scales. Nevertheless, over-exploitation these resources can generate poverty traps, where rural households no longer use ecosystem as a source food security or income. This study uses three that live in surrounding areas mangroves from São Tomé Island (Diogo Nunes, Angolares, Malanza) case study. main aim was evaluate locals’ perspectives about use, threats, conservation. Questionnaires were conducted among local populations provided information identify major beneficiaries mangrove These results also indicated threats identified locally are those literature. importance impact values traditions highlighted by obtained since residents do not acknowledge existence bring direct benefit. absence awareness their cause severe damages health, requiring implementation specific awareness-raising policies interact with ecosystems. • Services (ES) strongly contribute preservation is crucial for human well-being. Santomean living near magrove present lack ecosystems complexity processes assoaciated. Socio-economic factors perception, mainly countries environment subsistence. Santomeans would profit community-based management promotes environmental community awareness.