University student perception of selected cultural ecosystem services provided by rivers in chilean cities: comparative study

Puškárová, Michelle

This thesis aims to investigate and compare the perception of university students regarding the cultural ecosystem services (CES) offered by rivers Calle-Calle and Elqui in cities Valdivia and La Serena in Chile. The focus is to map the diverse benefits provided by rivers, with particular emphasis on four key groups of CES: recreational, educational, aesthetic/inspirational and a sense of place. The analysis includes an examination of the geographical positions of the cities and the rivers within them, accessibility factors and the overall surroundings. To achieve these objectives, a literature review is conducted, with a special focus on ecosystem services, cultural ecosystem services and the role of rivers. Furthermore, the literature review is supported by primary data collection – a questionnaire. Despite distinctive characteristics of the two places, the results suggest that the river is a significant element of beauty and the identity of the area for both respondent groups, no matter the aggravated accessibility to the river, lack of or limited perception of cultural events connected to the river or other conditions that might be affecting it (e. g. drying out of Elqui river). Overall, understanding the cultural importance of rivers could lead to more holistic approaches that consider not only the ecological but also the social and cultural dimensions of rivers.

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