Bridging the science-policy divide: basic principles of impact-oriented ecosystem services assessments and valuations

Training course offered by the global project ValuES

Tuesday 24 April

Conducted by Alejandro von Bertrab and Lucy Emerton

 

In recent decades, particularly after the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) and the CBD Strategic Plan 2010-2020, and more recently with the publication of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), decision makers and other environment practitioners have faced a series of challenges in the identification, evaluation and integration of ecosystem services (ES) in various areas of public and private resource management, as well as in sectoral strategies and policies.

Stronger capabilities to identify, evaluate and integrate ES can help decision makers understand how diverse actions depend on and affect the environment. Consequently, this places them in a better position to improve policies that effectively contribute to conserve, restore and use ecosystems in a more sustainable manner, as well as contribute to mainstreaming of biodiversity in other sectors.

This training course was aimed at practitioners interested in reflecting and learning more about how to design and implement policy-oriented ESAVs. Some key principles were discussed, such as asking the right policy questions, clearly delineating studies’ scope, selection of appropriate methods and the importance of communication during the implementation and dissemination of results.

The training course was taught through a series of learning techniques that include presentations on technical aspects, interactive exercises and discussions. Participants had the opportunity to reflect, exchange and discuss about ways to bridge the gap between science and policy in the realm of ecosystem services and in this way, get closer to achieving sustainability.

Preliminary agenda