Methodological interlinkages for mapping ecosystem services – from data to analysis and decision-support

By

Vihervaara, Petteri
Viinikka, Arto
Brander, Luke
Santos-Martín, Fernando
Poikolainen, Laura
Nedkov, Stoyan

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019-4-18

Original Publication

One ecosystem : ecology and sustainability data journal

Volume

4

Pages

1--17

Subjects

Biodiversity , ecosystem services , ESMERALDA , Europe , MAES , mapping

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/oneeco.4.e26368

 

Abstract

A broad array of methods have been developed and applied to map ecosystem services and their values at various geographic scales. For example, the ESMERALDA project developed methods for ecosystem service mapping across Europe. This paper describes how different methodological interlinkages can be used in ecosystem service mapping and assessment and how the integration of information can be facilitated to assist in decision-making processes related to sustainable use and protection of ecosystem services. This paper is based on a literature review and expert consultations throughout the project. The accumulation of knowledge in ecosystem assessment processes will be described through multiple steps: 1) data compilation, 2) analyses run via independent or linked methods applications and tools, 3) integration of information from multiple analyses and 4) finally, feeding into the decision-support frameworks. The challenges and possibilities of using combinations of various datasets and methods will be discussed. This workflow is demonstrated with real-world applications. In addition, technical pitfalls and challenges, as well as linkages to overall ecosystem assessments and policy questions, are analysed and discussed.