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Selecting methods for ecosystem service assessment: A decision tree approach

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  • Harrison, Paula A.
  • Dunford, Rob
  • Barton, David N.
  • Kelemen, Eszter
  • Martín-López, Berta
  • Norton, Lisa
  • Termansen, Mette
  • Saarikoski, Heli
  • Hendriks, Kees
  • Gómez-Baggethun, Erik
  • Czúcz, Bálint
  • García-Llorente, Marina
  • Howard, David
  • Jacobs, Sander
  • Karlsen, Martin
  • Kopperoinen, Leena
  • Madsen, Andes
  • Rusch, Graciela
  • van Eupen, Michiel
  • Verweij, Peter
  • Smith, Ron
  • Tuomasjukka, Diana
  • Zulian, Grazia

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Harrison, Paula A. & Dunford, Rob & Barton, David N. & Kelemen, Eszter & Martín-López, Berta & Norton, Lisa & Termansen, Mette & Saarikoski, Heli & Hendriks, Kees & Gómez-Baggethun, Erik & Czúcz, , 2018. "Selecting methods for ecosystem service assessment: A decision tree approach," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 29(PC), pages 481-498.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoser:v:29:y:2018:i:pc:p:481-498
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.09.016
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