Publication
Title
Navigating pluralism : understanding perceptions of the ecosystem services concept
Author
Abstract
Being open to multiple interpretations allows the ecosystem services concept to operate as a boundary object, facilitating communication and cooperation between different user groups. Yet there is a risk the resultant pluralism limits the capacity of ecosystem services assessments to directly inform decision and policy making, and that the concept could be used to support environmentally or socially harmful activities. Here, we report results from a large mixed methods survey conducted among academics, policymakers and practitioners working in the field of ecosystem services across Europe. We use these results to explore the trade-off that exists between the role of ecosystem services as a boundary object and the needs of policy and decision makers of more standardisation. We conclude this can be done by working towards the standardisation of ecosystem service assessments within specific jurisdictions, whilst maintaining forums for debate, collaboration, and critical reflection within the broader ecosystem services community. We also aim to deduce guiding principles to ensure the ecosystem services concept is not used to support detrimental activities. The consideration of shared and cultural values, the expansion of inter- and transdisciplinary work and the integration of the concept of sustainability are identified as valuable guiding principles to this end.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Ecosystem services
Publication
2019
ISSN
2212-0416
DOI
10.1016/J.ECOSER.2019.01.004
Volume/pages
36 (2019) , 13 p.
Article Reference
100892
ISI
000462358400004
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
OPERAS: Operational Potential of Ecosystem Research Applications
OPENNESS: Operationalisation of natural capital and ecosystem services: from concepts to real-world applications
ECOPLAN: Planning for Ecosystem Services.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 26.04.2019
Last edited 12.11.2024
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