Ecosystem services’ capacity and flow in the Venice Lagoon and the relationship with ecological status

Ecosystem services (ES) are theoretically linked to healthy ecological conditions, but this relationship seems be rather challenging demonstrate in the real world. Therefore, shedding light on these aspects can crucial for implementing effective ecosystem management strategies, instance within context of EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) implementation. This work aims present a spatially-explicit assessment potential (capacity) and actual use (flow) 12 ES Venice lagoon explore relationships with status. Quantitative indicators capacity flow each have been assessed mapped results summarised set aggregated indicators. The outcomes reveal positive between overall ES, suggesting that where first is degraded, an loss delivery occurs. A complex picture emerges when exploring links as changes status considered. Structural status, such Biological Quality Elements adopted by WFD (assessed MAQI M-AMBI metrics), seem weakly while functional (Kempton Q-90 diversity secondary production) showed stronger links, especially Concerning different it appears mediated human uses (provisioning cultural ES) negatively related some Finally, our suggest possible limitations zonation under WFD, comes analysis ES. We argue could play role Lagoon ecosystem, their used preserve functioning managing ‘uses’ we make ecosystem.