Assessments and mapping of urban ecosystem services based on land use/ land cover changes: The case of Datça

Comprehending alterations in land use and land cover (LULC) within a specific region is critical for a thorough understanding of ecosystem services and adept management of the balance between conservation and utilization. These changes contribute to fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, exacerbating the adverse impacts of global climate change and jeopardizing ecological sustainability. Consequently, the production of carbon sequestration maps that reflect LULC changes is vital for the advancement of sustainable urban development. This study focuses on the Datça Peninsula, which represents the Mediterranean biome and reflects the ecological dynamics of many coastal regions in Turkey. The LULC changes between 2013 and 2023 were determined using remote sensing and geographic information systems technologies, revealing the trends in land cover changes. Additionally, based on these changes, carbon storage areas and total carbon sequestration amounts were determined and mapped using InVEST software. CORINE Level I classification was used for the LULC exchange, and subcategories such as above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, soil organic matter, and dead organic matter were preferred for carbon storage. Finally, projections for LULC changes and carbon sequestration for the years 2033 and 2053 were produced. The results indicate the negative effects of urbanization on green areas, but also show a slight increase in forest and semi-natural areas over the last decade. Over the last five years, a decrease in forests, which are considered carbon sinks, has been observed due to the expansion of artificial areas. The amount of carbon sequestration in the region increased from 2013 to 2018 and decreased from 2018 to 2023. According to future projections, the increasing trend of carbon sequestration is expected to decline due to LULC changes. This research serves as a foundational guide for comprehensively understanding the existing conditions and projected ecological dynamics of the region. It highlights the imperative for policymakers engaged in spatial planning on the Datça Peninsula to maintain a balance between conservation and utilization. Furthermore, it stresses the development of strategies based on ecological principles to preserve the delicate ecosystems, sustain the ecosystem services, and foster the healthy growth of the area.