Where and why to conserve grasslands socio-ecosystems? A spatially explicit participative approach

Grasslands of southern South America are being replaced by annual crops and forest plantations. The environmental social consequences this expansion generate the need for its regulation. If a conservation policy were established, it would be critical to define which areas have priority conservation. Multi-criteria analysis techniques useful tools in territorial planning processes since they allow incorporating diverse even opposing opinions objectives. We present methodological approach Grasslands’ Conservation Value (GCV) from spatially explicit diagnosis, based on multiple criteria explicitly quantitatively valuations stakeholders. study was developed as part strategy public inter-institutional entity contribute defining grasslands policies. included workshops definitions their weighting agreed upon. Definitions multidimensional technical characterization territory through indicators, information used compiled, analyzed, shared, synthesized. Based multi-criteria analysis, each 12 stakeholders’ groups representatives established individual determining GCV then, consensus weighting. mapped integrating diagnosis these with weightings carried out degree agreement among stakeholders differential valuation ecological high 8 (Pearson’s correlation coefficients >0.92), showing between those resulting group consensus. In all cases, about spatial variation value higher than weights ≥0.92 10 stakeholders). Furthermore, sites lower values map corresponded mostly proposed methodology allowed incorporation different perceptions not only definition but also prioritization, transparent auditable process. This could implementation future regulations that restrict replacement grasslands, increasing legitimacy processes.