Navigating ecosystem services and access inequalities

Humans rely on ecosystems to meet their needs and enhance their well-being through the provision of ecosystem services. However, the distribution of these services may not benefit all groups equally. Understanding the complex relationship between human well-being and ecosystem services requires analysing access to these benefits. This study addresses the gap in ecosystem service research by providing a comprehensive analysis of the access mediating factor along the cascade model. By exploring the case of cruise ship tourism in Barcelona, this study sheds light on who gains access to ecosystem service benefits and its implications. A mixed method approach was used by combining the analysis of semi-structured interviews, official documents, and reports, which were qualitatively analysed using grounded theory, as well as a survey of cruise ship passengers (n = 755). Our results show that space is a significant factor in controlling access to the harbour, with cruise companies holding long-term concessions. Cruise companies also exercise considerable control over global supply chains through institutional agreements and assets to gain access to ecosystem services, leading to a shift from regional and local suppliers to global suppliers. However, local institutions are identified as a key influencer of social representations, acting as a mediating factor in the ecosystem service flow to cruise tourism, particularly for cultural services. Understanding these dynamics is vital for achieving a more equitable and sustainable management of ecosystems and their services. These findings can inform policymakers, stakeholders, and communities about the importance of considering access issues when managing ecosystems to ensure that ecosystem service benefits are distributed fairly and sustainably. Moreover, this study highlights the relevance of political ecology in understanding access and power dynamics within the ecosystem service framework.