Social production of ecosystem services through the articulation of values in landscape design practice in South Africa

Abstract

The implications of projected urbanisation for human well‐being and ecosystem integrity for social‐ecological resilience emphasise the latent potential of facilitated landscapes and the values and knowledge of landscape design practitioners. This study therefore considers how to operationalise values in landscape design practice so as to achieve a balanced social production of ecosystem services. It uses the dual methods of constructivist content analysis of design projects featured in three prominent profession‐focused magazines and interpretivist analysis of semi‐structured interviews with experts in the landscape design industry. The combined findings indicate that, contrary to what scientific literature and theory propounds, landscape design practitioners perceive Cultural and Regulating Services as more important than Provisioning or Supporting Services. This reflects concern for social and community matters, sustainability, and the showcasing of design and aesthetics. For designers, two pertinent concerns are contextual influences on design and design as part of professional identity. These preferences result in the neglect of Intrinsic and Fundamental Nature Values and Intangible Landscape Values. In response, this study identifies social practices that show potential for the operationalisation of values in the profession: education, legislation, rating systems and award systems. From these, award systems are selected because they provide both intrinsic and extrinsic incentives and show best potential for the South African context. The analysis of existing award systems revealed trends and discourses in the industry, and shortcomings in the awards criteria. The study recommends that the awards criteria specifically articulate all Functional Values of biodiversity, all categories of ecosystem services, all Nature Values, and reflect both tangible and intangible Landscape Values. Operationalisation as part of the awards can be achieved in five ways: through social rituals, alignment with existing values, concepts of multifunctionality and Cultural Services; and examples of best practice. This study promotes inclusionary processes that respect different kinds of knowledge and values in the South African landscape, which can contribute to the needs of the majority of the population. The study calls for the reorientation of values inside the built environment so that the long‐term societal benefits and losses of various land use scenarios are effectively considered in design decisions.