Keywords
ecosystem services, trade-off, simulation modelling
Start Date
1-7-2010 12:00 AM
Abstract
The ecosystem services concept evaluates ecosystem functions from a human perspective, e.g. the concept focuses on the contribution of ecosystem functions, ecosystem goods and services or human well-being. An evaluation allows the analysis of trade-offs between different ecosystem services as well as between ecosystem services and other components of human well-being. We will test three options to compare trade-offs between ecosystem services, namely map comparison, scenario analysis and trade-off analysis using optimized landscapes. While map comparison and scenario analysis are valuable tools to study ecosystem service trade-offs we emphasize the use of optimized landscapes for tradeoff analysis. Overall, analysis of trade-offs between ecosystem services seems to be in its infancy and more enhanced tools are required.
Quantifying Ecosystem Service Trade-offs
The ecosystem services concept evaluates ecosystem functions from a human perspective, e.g. the concept focuses on the contribution of ecosystem functions, ecosystem goods and services or human well-being. An evaluation allows the analysis of trade-offs between different ecosystem services as well as between ecosystem services and other components of human well-being. We will test three options to compare trade-offs between ecosystem services, namely map comparison, scenario analysis and trade-off analysis using optimized landscapes. While map comparison and scenario analysis are valuable tools to study ecosystem service trade-offs we emphasize the use of optimized landscapes for tradeoff analysis. Overall, analysis of trade-offs between ecosystem services seems to be in its infancy and more enhanced tools are required.
