This new discussion paper "Why Value the Oceans?" was prepared by UNEP/GRID-Arendal and Duke University's Nicholas School of Environmental Policy Solutions in collaboration with the UNEP TEEB office and the UNEP Regional Seas Program.
The NOAA sponsored Social Coast Forum slates itself as an "opportunity to hear from both coastal managers and social scientists and discuss ways to integrate social science into coastal decision-making."
ARIES redefines ecosystem services assessment and valuation in decision-making. The ARIES approach to mapping benefits, beneficiaries, and service flows is a powerful new way to visualize, and manage the ecosystems on which the human economy and well-being depend.
Land use and development planning that only accounts for the value of built capital often negatively impacts communities: small businesses and jobs can be lost, environmental health is impacted, and community structure may be lost. SERVES (Simple and Effective Resource for Valuing Ecosystem Services), can be used by individuals and communities to understand and leverage the economic value of green infrastructure and natural systems. This information provides powerful arguments for shifting investment towards sustainability.
A group for discussing how to address ecosystem services in local land use and infrastructure plans.
The purpose of this group is to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with conserving ecosystem services within the context of Oregon's land use and infrastructure planning. Initially, information will be collected and compiled on this site, based on interviews with planners, local officials, and other experts. Listening sessions will be held in several rural communities, to enhance understanding of unique circumstances and potential opportunities.
Group to discuss biodiversity protection by encouraging increased conservation efforts on private lands through ecosystem services programs & markets.
This group was created to stimulate further conversation on how fish, wildlife and habitat can be protected more effectively on private lands. The initial focus has been on application of the federal Endangered Species Act to stimulate demand for private conservation banks that provide habitat for listed or candidate species.
