Carbon sequestration and provision of ecosystem services: evidence from Campania Region, Italy

A methodological approach is implemented here that aims to study the rela-tionships between climate neutrality and the supply of ecosystem services (ESs), with reference to regional spatial contexts. The measure of carbon se-questration (CS) is taken as a reference to estimate the status and evolution-ary dynamics of this phenomenon, which is analyzed and evaluated as asso-ciated with the supply of certain types of ESs, in relation to the reference spatial context. The study is developed as follows. First, the spatial framework of the CS is characterized through density maps, using the “Carbon Storage and Sequestration” model of the InVEST suite. Second, a methodology for characterizing the supply of ESs is identified. Based on in-depth analyses of environmental, landscape and cultural con-texts, the supply of ESs in relation to the Campania regional territory is characterized in this study by the following types: preservation of habitat quality; regulation of the local climate through mitigation of land surface temperature; production of agricultural and wood crops; protection and en-hancement of the attractiveness of spatial contexts in relation to recreational and cultural activities; and preservation and enhancement of landscape val-ues that ground regional identity. Finally, the correlations between the spatial taxonomies of CS and ESs sup-ply with regard to the regional context of Campania are analyzed to assess how the characteristics and specificities of ESs supply can be used to foster climate neutrality. These correlations allow, also, to identify specific recom-mendations related to plan policies, finalized to improve the quality of life of local communities.