Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services is an emerging concept that supports sustainable and profitable agriculture and improved natural resources management.
The ecosystem services concept makes more transparent the full range of impacts that result from natural resource management decisions. It brings together diverse views and stakeholders to increase people’s understanding of what others value and the trade-offs that may exist.
Ecosystem services look at all of the benefits that society receives from production landscapes – not just agricultural commodities, but also biodiversity, water supply and carbon storage benefits. It provides a framework to maximise the net benefits that society receives from agro-ecosystems
It also provides a way to engage a wider range of stakeholders about what benefits are needed where, when and by whom.
Taking ecosystem services from a concept stage to a practical stage requires a lot of science. BRS is taking a lead in the Australian Government in developing a science-based approach.
Potential science-policy benefits of ecosystem Services
- Aids dialogue
- Allows for more transparent and integrated analysis of costs and benefits
- Promotes innovation through understanding of multiple outcomes
- Enhances decision making on managing natural ecosystems for production and environmental outcomes
- Can inform the development of markets in services such as water biodiversity
Key science-policy challenges
How to assess social, economic and environmental pros and cons?
Which scale: national, regional, landscape and/or land holder?
How top develop a common understanding between policy makers, scientists and landholders?