Selecting methods for ecosystem service assessment: A decision tree approach

Paula A. Harrison, Rob Dunford, David N. Barton, Eszter Kelemen, Berta Martin-Lopez, Lisa Norton, Mette Termansen, Heli Saarikoski, Kees Hendriks, Erik Gomez-Baggethun, Balint Czucz, Marina Garcia-Llorente, David Howard, Sander Jacobs, Martin Karlsen, Leena Kopperoinen, Anders Læsø Madsen, Graciela M. Rusch, Michiel van Eupen, Peter VerweijRon Smith, Diana Tuomasjukka, Grazia Zulian

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

176 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A range of methods are available for assessing ecosystem services. Methods differ in their aims; from mapping and modelling the supply and demand of ecosystem services to appraising their economic and non-economic importance through valuation techniques. Comprehensive guidance for the selection of appropriate ecosystem service assessment methods that address the requirements of different decision-making contexts is lacking. This paper tackles this gap using the experience from 27 case studies which applied different biophysical, socio-cultural and monetary valuation methods to operationalise the ecosystem service concept towards sustainable land, water and urban management. A survey of the reasons why the case study teams selected particular methods revealed that stakeholder-oriented reasons, such as stakeholder participation, inclusion of local knowledge and ease of communication, and decision-oriented reasons, such as the purpose of the case study and the ecosystem services at stake, were key considerations in selecting a method. Pragmatic reasons such as available data, resources and expertise were also important factors. This information was used to develop a set of linked decision trees, which aim to provide guidance to researchers and practitioners in choosing ecosystem service assessment methods that are suitable for their context.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEcosystem Services
Volume29
Issue numberPart C
Pages (from-to)481-498
Number of pages18
ISSN2212-0416
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2018

Keywords

  • Biophysical
  • Decision trees
  • Guidance
  • Method
  • Monetary
  • Socio-cultural
  • Tool

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