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Towards a Conceptual Framework for Social-Ecological Systems Integrating Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services with Resource Efficiency Indicators

Author

Listed:
  • Nina Eisenmenger

    (Institute of Social Ecology (SEC), Alpen-Adria Universitaet Klagenfurt-Wien-Graz, Schottenfeldgasse 29, A-1070 Vienna, Austria)

  • Stefan Giljum

    (Institute for Ecological Economics, Vienna University of Business and Economics, Welthandelsplatz 1/D5, 1020 Vienna, Austria)

  • Stephan Lutter

    (Institute for Ecological Economics, Vienna University of Business and Economics, Welthandelsplatz 1/D5, 1020 Vienna, Austria)

  • Alexandra Marques

    (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
    Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
    Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA/Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands)

  • Michaela C. Theurl

    (Institute of Social Ecology (SEC), Alpen-Adria Universitaet Klagenfurt-Wien-Graz, Schottenfeldgasse 29, A-1070 Vienna, Austria)

  • Henrique M. Pereira

    (German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
    Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
    Cátedra Infraestruturas de Portugal-Biodiversidade, CIBIO/InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal)

  • Arnold Tukker

    (Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA/Einsteinweg 2, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
    Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Van Mourik Broekmanweg 6, 2628XE Delft, The Netherlands)

Abstract

In this article we develop a comprehensive conceptual framework for resource efficiency indicators with a consistent link of resource use to the socio-economic system and activities therein as well as to the natural system and its ecosystem functioning. Three broad groups of indicators are defined: (1) resource use indicators representing pressures on the environment; (2) resource efficiency indicators relating resource use indicators to the socio-economic side; and (3) environmental impact indicators linking resource use impacts on the state of the natural system. Based on this conceptual framework we develop a structure for possible resource efficiency indicators and conduct a RACER evaluation on the Relevance, Acceptance, Credibility, Easiness and Robustness of indicators. With the RACER evaluation, we identify areas where indicators are well established and available as well as areas where indicators still need further development or even need to be designed first.

Suggested Citation

  • Nina Eisenmenger & Stefan Giljum & Stephan Lutter & Alexandra Marques & Michaela C. Theurl & Henrique M. Pereira & Arnold Tukker, 2016. "Towards a Conceptual Framework for Social-Ecological Systems Integrating Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services with Resource Efficiency Indicators," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:3:p:201-:d:64402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. de Boer, Bertram F. & Rodrigues, João F.D. & Tukker, Arnold, 2019. "Modeling reductions in the environmental footprints embodied in European Union's imports through source shifting," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 1-1.
    2. Alonso-Fernández, Pablo & Regueiro-Ferreira, Rosa María, 2022. "Extractivism, ecologically unequal exchange and environmental impact in South America: A study using Material Flow Analysis (1990–2017)," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).

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