Selecting methods for ecosystem service assessment: a decision tree approach
Harrison, P.A.; Dunford, R.; Barton, D.N.; Kelemen, E.; Martín-López, B.; Norton, L.; Termansen, M.; Saarikoski, H.; Hendriks, K.; Gómez-Baggethun, E.; Czúcz, B.; García-Llorente, M.; Howard, D.; Jacobs, S.; Karlsen, M.; Kopperoinen, L.; Madsen, A.; Rusch, G.; Van Eupen, M.; Verweij, P.; Smith, R.; Tuomasjukka, D.; Zulian, G. (2018). Selecting methods for ecosystem service assessment: a decision tree approach. Ecosystem Services 29(Part C): 481-498. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.09.016
In: Ecosystem Services. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISSN 2212-0416, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Harrison, P.A.
- Dunford, R.
- Barton, D.N.
- Kelemen, E.
- Martín-López, B.
- Norton, L.
- Termansen, M.
- Saarikoski, H.
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- Hendriks, K.
- Gómez-Baggethun, E.
- Czúcz, B.
- García-Llorente, M.
- Howard, D.
- Jacobs, S., more
- Karlsen, M.
- Kopperoinen, L.
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- Madsen, A.
- Rusch, G.
- Van Eupen, M.
- Verweij, P.
- Smith, R.
- Tuomasjukka, D.
- Zulian, G.
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| 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. |
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