Mapping cultural ecosystem services in the hyper arid environment of south of Jordan

Cultural ecosystem services (CESs) refer to the non-monetary benefits that nature provides humans. This study aimed allocate and map CESs in hyper arid region at southern part of Wadi Araba as a unique Jordan. 296 residents were participated structured questionnaire. The respondents prompted indicate CES by drawing dots on geo-referenced landscape corresponding any areas they considered CES. results showed (81.1%) locals practice hiking (71.3%) walking, (66.2%) visit sand dunes which are all among most engage with. Moreover, expressed these activities not related their primary source income. mapped subjected hot-spot statistical analyses using geographical information system (GIS)-based spatial evaluation analysis kernel density estimation (KDE) Getis-Ord Gi* statistics with inverse distance weight (IDW) interpolation. Overall, provided appreciated residents. revealed those core hot-spots (Getis-Ord-Gi* values equal p = 0.01) covered 19.6% while cold spots 21.2% area. eagerness contribute constant flow if restoration plans fully supported local community. maps generated data collected present can serve baseline measures provisions subject change based parameters each development scenario. Furthermore, could help support current future management efforts integrating communities’ preferences into conservation initiatives, thereby ensuring more efficient effective utilization CESs.