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Evaluating conceptual definitions of ecosystem services and their implications

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  • Danley, Brian
  • Widmark, Camilla

Abstract

“Ecosystem services” is a phrase with many meanings, yet very few studies have primarily focused on comparing different definitions of the term. Ecosystem services are now generally used in identifying an appropriately wide range of environmental variables for policy and management as well as better understanding the benefits provided by those aspects of the environment. A review of the dominant definitions of ecosystem services reveals the term is comprehensive in its scope and requires further specification for most purposes. Analysis further reveals that there are four main categories of conceptual definitions. The paper concludes that ecosystem services can be identified at various points along the spectrum of nature-human interaction depending on which specific definition is chosen and that the term was not created to identify a novel set of environmental objects or processes.

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  • Danley, Brian & Widmark, Camilla, 2016. "Evaluating conceptual definitions of ecosystem services and their implications," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 132-138.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:126:y:2016:i:c:p:132-138
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.04.003
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    12. Wilker, Jost & Rusche, Karsten & Benning, Alexander & MacDonald, Michael A. & Blaen, Phillip, 2016. "Applying ecosystem benefit valuation to inform quarry restoration planning," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 44-55.
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    14. Fernando Morante-Carballo & Miguel Gurumendi-Noriega & Juan Cumbe-Vásquez & Lady Bravo-Montero & Paúl Carrión-Mero, 2022. "Georesources as an Alternative for Sustainable Development in COVID-19 Times—A Study Case in Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-30, June.
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    16. Nápoles-Vértiz, Sonia & Caro-Borrero, Angela, 2024. "Conceptual diversity and application of ecosystem services and disservices: A systematic review," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    17. Raum, Susanne, 2018. "A framework for integrating systematic stakeholder analysis in ecosystem services research: Stakeholder mapping for forest ecosystem services in the UK," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 29(PA), pages 170-184.
    18. Maurizio Sajeva & Marjo Maidell & Jonne Kotta, 2020. "A Participatory Geospatial Toolkit for Science Integration and Knowledge Transfer Informing SDGs Based Governance and Decision Making," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-19, September.
    19. Thompson, Kate & Sherren, Kate & Duinker, Peter N., 2019. "The use of ecosystem services concepts in Canadian municipal plans," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 1-1.
    20. Mauerhofer, V., 2018. "The law, ecosystem services and ecosystem functions: An in-depth overview of coverage and interrelation," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 29(PB), pages 190-198.

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