Ecosystem services are the benefits that people acquire from ecosystems and how people preserve these benefits for their perpetuation for the next generation. Crucial aquatic ecosystem services include fish production, water provisioning, and recreation, and key ecosystem services connected to the hydrological cycle e.g. water purification, water retention and climate regulation. Understanding the connections between the natural and socio-economic systems can lead to improved and more sustainable management of ecosystems. In order to frame and craft appropriate policies and management plans that will address environmental problems and maintain ecosystem health, together with sustainable livelihood, ecosystem analysis should include aspects related to human behaviour, activities, and perceptions.
This study was conducted to probe the stakeholders’ perception of stress exerted to the regulating services provided by Uyaan Lake employing structured interview technique. The collected data were analysed using Systat version 13.0. Study results showed that most of the respondents are young, having blue collar job (i.e. farmer or unemployed), and old-time residents in the municipality (15 to 25 years and above residency). Many are high school graduates, with low weekly income (US$50-US$60), and residing near the lakeshore. Most perceived the aquatic ecosystem regulating services as moderately degraded. There existed a direct relationship between their period of residence and climate moderation perception, between occupation and educational attainment with their discernment on biodiversity, food chain, plant and animal habitats, and traditions and traditional practices with their ages and period of residence. Moreover, an indirect relationship is detected between the respondents’ religious and spiritual values with their educational attainment and ages.
Results of the assessment provided inputs to planners and policy makers for a more acceptable and effective strategies in the lake’s management and conservation