The Nature Outside Cities: Trade-Offs and Synergies of Cultural Ecosystem Services from Natura 2000 Sites

The high level of anthropization in urban areas has induced a shift of resource demand, where the supply has moved outside the cities’ boundaries. Thus, protected areas located in the cities’ proximity have faced pressure to satisfy cities’ needs leading to conflicts and loss of critical ecosystem services. Our study aims to assess the cultural ecosystem services (CES) and recreational activities provided by five Natura 2000 sites located in near-urban environments. We used photographs uploaded on social media and multiple correspondence analysis to investigate the synergies and trade-offs between different CES and recreational activities. Analyzed photos showed synergies between aesthetic values and related activities, such as photographing landscapes and watching wildlife. However, we found trade-offs between aesthetic values and recreational activities, which are the result of the different types of management. Protected areas offer multiple opportunities for conducting scientific and educational investigations to conserve and protect key species and habitats. As a result, we found synergies between knowledge values and educational and conservational activities. We conclude that Natura 2000 sites located in the proximity of urban spaces are valuable places for nature-experience outside cities. Therefore, the importance of such locations has to be considered when planning urban green infrastructure.