Exploring subjective well-being and ecosystem services perception along a rural–urban gradient in the high Andes of Ecuador

Understanding sociocultural perceptions about human-nature relationships is essential to promote collective responses for sustainable ecosystem management. This study explores the sociocultural factors that influence subjective well-being (measured by life satisfaction) and how ecosystem services are perceived in an area inhabited by the Kichwa people, for whom the ancient notion of Good Living (Sumak Kawsay) is active. We carried out 482 surveys in five villages along a rural–urban gradient in the province of Imbabura (Ecuador). Rural and urban people differed in their subjective valuations of well-being components and the sociocultural factors that most influence life satisfaction. We also detected changes along the rural–urban gradient regarding how these sociocultural and subjective well-being factors explain the degree of importance that local people attribute to different ecosystems services provided by high Andean ecosystems. Formal education, the perception of local ecological knowledge, and the use of the Kichwa language were identified as important sociocultural factors that explain the observed differences. Finally, we discuss the risks of the ongoing expansion of urban lifestyles for the conservation of Andean social-ecological systems, highlighting the importance of maintaining traditional practices and beliefs associated with the Kichwa culture.