53 Landscape sustainability of a peri-urbanized and dynamic Chilean Biosphere Reserve

Biosphere Reserves (BR) as regional sustainability models focused on conservation, sustainabledevelopment and logistical support functions are essential for the natural support of local and regional territories.This paper analyses the landscape structure of a BR containing officially protected natural areas, productive landsand peri-urban areas. It analyses their links to landscape sustainability by quantifying the potential provision ofecosystem services. Landscape structure was studied over a period of 26 years (1989-2015). Researchers usedsatellite imagery to calculate land cover change and landscape metrics. Then the change in the potential supplyof ecosystem services was calculated and used as an indicator for landscape sustainability based on a qualitativeassessment of the potential supply of BR land covers. The results show significant changes in the BR landscapein the studied period. However, no major changes were observed in the supply of ecosystem services. Policiesfor territorial planning in peri-urban areas should monitor the structure of the landscape to evaluate its ability toguarantee long-term supply of ecosystem services. In this regard it is important to conduct research that helpsdesign better tools and policies associated with the conservation and the sustainable use of landscapes.