Ecosystem Services : From Concept to Practice

Drawing on a range of interdisciplinary perspectives, this volume provides an invaluable framework for translating simple concepts into complex ecosystem-related decision making. It is specifically designed to guide students and policy-makers through key methodological approaches, illustrating their applications at various scales by drawing on case studies from around the world.

Despite the growing popularity of the concept of ecosystem services, policy makers and practitioners continue to struggle with the challenge of translating it into practice. Drawing on a range of interdisciplinary perspectives, this volume takes up the challenge to provide a framework for the effective implementation of simple concepts into complex ecosystem-related decision making. Addressing the measurement, valuation and governance of ecosystem services, the book is specifically designed to guide students and policy-makers from definitions and measurements to applications in terms of policy instruments and governance arrangements. Each chapter discusses key methodological approaches, illustrating their applications at various scales by drawing on case studies from around the world. Presenting a range of perspectives from across many fields, this text ultimately considers the crucial question of how ecosystem service delivery can be safeguarded for generations to come.