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Journal ArticleDOI

A blueprint for mapping and modelling ecosystem services

TL;DR: A template and checklist of information needed for those beginning an ecosystem service modelling and mapping study will reduce the uncertainty associated with quantifying ecosystem services and thereby help to close the gap between theory and practice.
Abstract: The inconsistency in methods to quantify and map ecosystem services challenges the development of robust values of ecosystem services in national accounts and broader policy and natural resource management decision-making. In this paper we develop and test a blueprint to give guidance on modelling and mapping ecosystem services. The primary purpose of this blueprint is to provide a template and checklist of information needed for those beginning an ecosystem service modelling and mapping study. A secondary purpose is to provide, over time, a database of completed blueprints that becomes a valuable information resource of methods and information used in previous modelling and mapping studies. We base our blueprint on a literature review, expert opinions (as part of a related workshop organised during the 5th ESP conference2 ) and critical assessment of existing techniques used to model and map ecosystem services. While any study that models and maps ecosystem services will have its unique characteristics and will be largely driven by data and model availability, a tool such as the blueprint presented here will reduce the uncertainty associated with quantifying ecosystem services and thereby help to close the gap between theory and practice.
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed outcomes in a wide range of case studies where ecosystem services had been used for human well-being, including provisioning, regulating and cultural services.
Abstract: Ecosystem services can provide a wide range of benefits for human well-being, including provisioning, regulating and cultural services and benefitting both private and public interests in different sectors of society. Biophysical, economic and social factors all make it unlikely that multiple needs will be met simultaneously without deliberate efforts, yet while there is still much interest in developing win-win outcomes there is little understanding of what is required for them to be achieved. We analysed outcomes in a wide range of case studies where ecosystem services had been used for human well-being. Using systematic mapping of the literature from 2000 to 2013, we identified 1324 potentially relevant reports, 92 of which were selected for the review, creating a database of 231 actual or potential recorded trade-offs and synergies. The analysis of these case studies highlighted significant gaps in the literature, including: a limited geographic distribution of case studies, a focus on provisioning as opposed to non-provisioning services and a lack of studies exploring the link between ecosystem service trade-offs or synergies and the ultimate impact on human well-being. Trade-offs are recorded almost three times as often as synergies and the analysis indicates that there are three significant indicators that a trade-off will occur: at least one of the stakeholders having a private interest in the natural resources available, the involvement of provisioning ecosystem services and at least one of the stakeholders acting at the local scale. There is not, however, a generalisable context for a win-win, indicating that these trade-off indicators, although highlighting where a trade-off may occur do not indicate that it is inevitable. Taking account of why trade-offs occur (e.g. from failures in management or a lack of accounting for all stakeholders) is more likely to create win-win situations than planning for a win-win from the outset. Consequently, taking a trade-offs as opposed to a win-win approach, by having an awareness of and accounting for factors that predict a trade-off (private interest, provisioning versus other ES, local stakeholder) and the reasons why trade-offs are often the outcome, it may be possible to create the synergies we seek to achieve.

579 citations


Cites background from "A blueprint for mapping and modelli..."

  • ..., 2008), and could be due to the fact that these services are not as well defined/ understood as provisioning or regulating services (Crossman et al., 2013) and are therefore are more difficult to study and/or measure....

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  • ...…in the literature (DeFries et al., 2004; Rodriguez et al., 2006; Tallis et al., 2008), and could be due to the fact that these services are not as well defined/ understood as provisioning or regulating services (Crossman et al., 2013) and are therefore are more difficult to study and/or measure....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The current state of the art of ecosystem service science regarding spatial localisation, indication and quantification of multiple ecosystem service supply and demand is reviewed and discussed.
Abstract: The high variety of ecosystem service categorisation systems, assessment frameworks, indicators, quantification methods and spatial localisation approaches allows scientists and decision makers to harness experience, data, methods and tools. On the other hand, this variety of concepts and disagreements among scientists hamper an integration of ecosystem services into contemporary environmental management and decision making. In this article, the current state of the art of ecosystem service science regarding spatial localisation, indication and quantification of multiple ecosystem service supply and demand is reviewed and discussed. Concepts and tables for regulating, provisioning and cultural ecosystem service definitions, distinguishing between ecosystem service potential supply (stocks), flows (real supply) and demands as well as related indicators for quantification are provided. Furthermore, spatial concepts of service providing units, benefitting areas, spatial relations, rivalry, spatial and temporal scales are elaborated. Finally, matrices linking CORINE land cover types to ecosystem service potentials, flows, demands and budget estimates are provided. The matrices show that ecosystem service potentials of landscapes differ from flows, especially for provisioning ecosystem services.

546 citations


Cites background from "A blueprint for mapping and modelli..."

  • ...Commensurate with ecosystem service demand (Crossman et al. 2013) but several intermediate steps related to complex production and trade schemes may be included (Burkhard et al. 2012a)....

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  • ...Commensurate with ecosystem service supply (Crossman et al. 2013)....

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  • ...Most of the currently available spatial ecosystem service studies focus on ecosystem service supply (see Crossman et al. 2013; Martínez-Harms & Balvanera 2012; Egoh et al. 2012 for reviews), whereas the demand side has not been sufficiently considered....

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  • ...2.3 Ecosystem service demands and flows Studies and models on the supply side of ecosystem services on different scales have developed quite far already (see reviews by Crossman et al. 2013; Martínez-Harms & Balvanera 2012; Egoh et al. 2012)....

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  • ...The most recent ecosystem service mapping efforts have been reviewed by Crossman et al. (2013); Martínez-Harms & Balvanera (2012) and Egoh et al. (2012) and related Special Issues have been edited for example by Burkhard et al. (2013) and Crossman et al. (2012)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A conceptual framework for the assessment of multifunctionality from a social–ecological perspective is proposed that can inform the design of planning processes and support stronger exchange between GI and ES research.
Abstract: Green infrastructure (GI) and ecosystem services (ES) are promoted as concepts that have potential to improve environmental planning in urban areas based on a more holistic understanding of the complex interrelations and dynamics of social-ecological systems. However, the scientific discourses around both concepts still lack application-oriented frameworks that consider such a holistic perspective and are suitable to mainstream GI and ES in planning practice. This literature review explores how multifunctionality as one important principle of GI planning can be operationalized by approaches developed and tested in ES research. Specifically, approaches developed in ES research can help to assess the integrity of GI networks, balance ES supply and demand, and consider trade-offs. A conceptual framework for the assessment of multifunctionality from a social-ecological perspective is proposed that can inform the design of planning processes and support stronger exchange between GI and ES research.

486 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an analytical framework for the mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services, abbreviated to MAES, which is seen as a key action for the advancement of biodiversity objectives, and also to inform the development and implementation of related policies.
Abstract: In the EU, the mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services, abbreviated to MAES, is seen as a key action for the advancement of biodiversity objectives, and also to inform the development and implementation of related policies on water, climate, agriculture, forest, marine and regional planning. In this study, we present the development of an analytical framework which ensures that consistent approaches are used throughout the EU. It is framed by a broad set of key policy questions and structured around a conceptual framework that links human societies and their well-being with the environment. Next, this framework is tested through four thematic pilot studies, including stakeholders and experts working at different scales and governance levels, which contributed indicators to assess the state of ecosystem services. Indicators were scored according to different criteria and assorted per ecosystem type and ecosystem services using the common international classification of ecosystem services (CICES) as typology. We concluded that there is potential to develop a first EU wide ecosystem assessment on the basis of existing data if they are combined in a creative way. However, substantial data gaps remain to be filled before a fully integrated and complete ecosystem assessment can be carried out.

420 citations


Cites methods from "A blueprint for mapping and modelli..."

  • ...An EU-wide matrix was populated with indicators based on a literature review (e.g. Egoh et al., 2012; Layke et al., 2012; Crossman et al., 2013) and on an assessment of data and indicators available in various European data centres....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of public participation GIS and participatory GIS (PGIS) approaches for ecosystem services to identify current and best practice has been conducted to evaluate the methods to identify best practice.
Abstract: We review public participation GIS (PPGIS) and participatory GIS (PGIS) approaches for ecosystem services to identify current and best practice. PPGIS/PGIS are spatially explicit methods that have evolved over the past decade to identify a range of ecosystem services. Although PPGIS/PGIS methods demonstrate high potential for the identification of ecosystem services, especially cultural services, there has been no review to evaluate the methods to identify best practice. Through examination of peer-reviewed, empirical PPGIS/PGIS studies, we describe the types of ecosystem services mapped, the spatial mapping methods, the sampling approaches and range of participants, the types of spatial analyses performed, and the methodological trade-offs associated with each PPGIS/PGIS mapping approach. We found that multiple methods were implemented in nearly 30 case studies worldwide with the mapping of cultural and provisioning services being most common. There was little evidence that mapped ecosystem data was used for actual decision support in land use planning. Best practice has yet to coalesce in this field that has been dominated by methodological pluralism and case study research. We suggest greater use of experimental design and long-term case studies where the influence of mapped ecosystem services on land use decisions can be assessed.

381 citations


Cites background or methods from "A blueprint for mapping and modelli..."

  • ...…and quantify the supply and demand of ecosystem services to support communication and decision-making, and to achieve priority on the political agenda to ensure future supply (Crossman et al., 2013; Cowling et al., 2008; Maes et al., 2012; Martínez-Harms and Balvanera, 2012; Opdam, 2013)....

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  • ...The recent literature on ecosystem services indicates that the mapping of cultural services lags behind other service categories and is common only for recreation service (Crossman et al., 2013; Egoh et al., 2012; Martínez-Harms and Balvanera, 2012)....

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  • ...The mapping of ecosystem services using PPGIS/PGIS is intended to provide a more comprehensive assessment of ecosystem services where trade-offs can be examined, contributing to current efforts to advance ecosystem service mapping (Crossman et al., 2013; RaudseppHearne et al., 2010; TEEB, 2010)....

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  • ...Spatially explicit assessment is necessary to better understand and quantify the supply and demand of ecosystem services to support communication and decision-making, and to achieve priority on the political agenda to ensure future supply (Crossman et al., 2013; Cowling et al., 2008; Maes et al., 2012; Martínez-Harms and Balvanera, 2012; Opdam, 2013)....

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References
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Journal ArticleDOI
24 Feb 2000-Nature
TL;DR: A ‘silver bullet’ strategy on the part of conservation planners, focusing on ‘biodiversity hotspots’ where exceptional concentrations of endemic species are undergoing exceptional loss of habitat, is proposed.
Abstract: Conservationists are far from able to assist all species under threat, if only for lack of funding. This places a premium on priorities: how can we support the most species at the least cost? One way is to identify 'biodiversity hotspots' where exceptional concentrations of endemic species are undergoing exceptional loss of habitat. As many as 44% of all species of vascular plants and 35% of all species in four vertebrate groups are confined to 25 hotspots comprising only 1.4% of the land surface of the Earth. This opens the way for a 'silver bullet' strategy on the part of conservation planners, focusing on these hotspots in proportion to their share of the world's species at risk.

24,867 citations


"A blueprint for mapping and modelli..." refers background in this paper

  • ...Mapping of biodiversity hotspots has a relatively long history in the conservation planning and management sciences (Myers et al., 2000) and is present more broadly in the ecosystem services literature....

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Journal ArticleDOI
15 May 1997-Nature
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors have estimated the current economic value of 17 ecosystem services for 16 biomes, based on published studies and a few original calculations, for the entire biosphere, the value (most of which is outside the market) is estimated to be in the range of US$16-54 trillion (10^(12)) per year, with an average of US $33 trillion per year.
Abstract: The services of ecological systems and the natural capital stocks that produce them are critical to the functioning of the Earth's life-support system. They contribute to human welfare, both directly and indirectly, and therefore represent part of the total economic value of the planet. We have estimated the current economic value of 17 ecosystem services for 16 biomes, based on published studies and a few original calculations. For the entire biosphere, the value (most of which is outside the market) is estimated to be in the range of US$16-54 trillion (10^(12)) per year, with an average of US$33 trillion per year. Because of the nature of the uncertainties, this must be considered a minimum estimate. Global gross national product total is around US$18 trillion per year.

18,139 citations


"A blueprint for mapping and modelli..." refers background in this paper

  • ...…plants have been mapped, (Chen et al., 2009, Fisher et al., 2011) based on land cover data across relatively small geographic areas, although several studies have included genetic or medicinal resources in their assessments based on other variables (Costanza et al., 1997; Vihervaara et al., 2010)....

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  • ...Ecosystems provide various goods and services to society, which in turn directly contribute to our well-being and economic wealth (Costanza et al., 1997; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; TEEB, 2010; de Groot et al., 2012)....

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  • ..., 2011) based on land cover data across relatively small geographic areas, although several studies have included genetic or medicinal resources in their assessments based on other variables (Costanza et al., 1997; Vihervaara et al., 2010)....

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01 Jan 2005

8,490 citations


"A blueprint for mapping and modelli..." refers background in this paper

  • ...Ecosystem service trade-offs: The way in which one ecosystem service responds to a change in another ecosystem service (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). integrating the ecological and economic value-dimensions of ecosystem services to more accurately calculate monetary values of mapped…...

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  • ...Ecosystems provide various goods and services to society, which in turn directly contribute to our well-being and economic wealth (Costanza et al., 1997; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005; TEEB, 2010; de Groot et al., 2012)....

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  • ...Ecosystem processes: changes or reactions occurring in ecosystems; either physical, chemical or biological; including decomposition, production, nutrient cycling and fluxes of nutrients and energy (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A review of predictive habitat distribution modeling is presented, which shows that a wide array of models has been developed to cover aspects as diverse as biogeography, conservation biology, climate change research, and habitat or species management.

6,748 citations


"A blueprint for mapping and modelli..." refers background in this paper

  • ...The broader habitat suitability modelling includes a wide array of approaches, from complex statistical models to more simple composite indicators (Guisan and Zimmermann, 2000)....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework and typology for describing, classifying and valuing ecosystem functions, goods and services in a clear and consistent manner is presented. And a classification is given for the fullest possible range of 23 ecosystem functions.

4,081 citations


"A blueprint for mapping and modelli..." refers background in this paper

  • ...However, these studies tend to be quite rare, even though they follow more precisely the definition of waste treatment ecosystem services according to de Groot et al. (2002)....

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  • ...Services provided include the maintenance of natural irrigation and drainage, and buffering of extreme river discharges and regulation of channel flows (de Groot et al., 2002)....

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  • ...While there is clear recognition of the importance of biotic material for the supply of genetic, medicinal and ornamental goods (de Groot et al., 2002), we could only find two examples where medicinal plants have been mapped, (Chen et al., 2009, Fisher et al., 2011) based on land cover data across…...

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  • ...Both TEEB (2010) and de Groot et al. (2002) (although the service is called ‘refugium function’ in the latter) define the maintenance of genetic diversity service in as being provided most prominently where there is high species endemism, i.e. in biodiversity hotspots....

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