Unveiling the Hidden Value of Ecosystem Services in Wadi Landscapes: A Case Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Wadis, dry rivers common in arid regions, deliver diverse ecosystem services (ES) despite their short-lived water flow. This study aims to enhance scientific understanding of relevant habitat types, the ES they provide, and their perceived significance to local people. It applies an adapted matrix method to assess habitat-level ES provision in Wadi Hanifah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A panel of ten experts—landscape planners, engineers, and decision-makers—identified key habitat types using field surveys, satellite imagery, and planning document review. Experts then evaluated each habitat’s capacity to provide four ES: habitat provision for flora and fauna, recreation and mental/physical health benefits, local climate regulation, and flood mitigation. Results reveal clear differences in ES provision across habitats, with natural gravel plains with Acacia trees and bushland receiving the highest overall scores, while more disturbed habitats score lower. The findings demonstrate the value of integrating expert knowledge into spatial planning and provide a replicable framework for ES assessment in under-researched wadi systems. This approach supports more sustainable landscape management and policy-making in rapidly urbanizing arid environments.