Understanding the aesthetic value of biodiversity is crucial as it influences human well-being and motivation for conservation. In our study of the endangered coralligenous reefs on the French Mediterranean coastline, we utilized a unique combination of human image evaluations and deep learning to quantify the aesthetic value of over 7692 photographic plots across 95 sites.
Through structural equation modeling, we found that taxonomic diversity positively influenced aesthetic value. Furthermore, while certain species contributed positively to aesthetic appeal, others detracted from it. Interestingly, we observed that human perceptions often held an aesthetic bias, not always aligning with the ecosystem's functional and phylogenetic diversities.
By mapping the aesthetic and ecological values along the coastline, we offer a visual tool beneficial for conservation efforts. Our methodology provides a pioneering and adaptable approach to evaluating the often-underestimated aesthetic significance of diverse ecosystems, whether marine or terrestrial.
