ABSTRACT
Biospheres Reserves (BR) provide several cultural ecosystem services (CES), contributing to the livelihoods of people, for example via tourism services. Studies in the past highlighted more on links between biodiversity and ecosystem services such as well-being and nature. Few studies examined CES and its contribution to livelihood in connection with tourism, but the socio-cultural and environmental values are undervalued. However, research in connection with CES and tourism in the context of BR is scarce. A special aspect of the study is the role of cultural heritage and CES in the development of a low population density area and in areas with population shrinking. With this background, the study is aimed at understanding the contribution of CES to the livelihood in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve (NVBR) in Latvia. The sustainable development profile of the NVBR covers four thematic areas namely environmental, social, economic, and institutional. The authors explained the results of sustainable development profiles from a particular CES perspective to livelihoods. A mixed-method approach, consisting of a case study, semi-structured interviews with the community, and analysis of published reports were used. The study provides an improved understanding of the implications, issues, and challenges of CES to livelihood and well-being, and contributes to the existing body of literature and insights to the BR management authority for the sustainable management of CES on livelihoods.
