The ecosystem services concept

a new Esperanto to facilitate participatory planning processes?

authored by

Marcin Spyra, Janina Kleemann, Nuket Ipek Cetin, Cesar Jesús Vázquez Navarrete, Christian Albert, Igone Palacios-Agundez, Ibone Ametzaga-Arregi, Daniele La Rosa, Daniel Rozas-Vásquez, Blal Adem Esmail, Paolo Picchi, Davide Geneletti, Hannes J. König, Hong Mi Koo, Leena Kopperoinen, Christine Fürst

Abstract

Context: Several case studies investigated the role of ecosystem services in participatory planning processes. However, no systematic study exists that cuts across a large number of empirical cases to identify the implications of using ecosystem services in participatory planning. Objectives: This study explores the potential of the ecosystem services concept to act as a boundary concept (“new Esperanto”) to facilitate the integration of actors’ perceptions and objectives into planning goals. Methods: We analyzed eleven case studies to explore how the ecosystem services concept has been operationalized to support participatory planning processes, and to identify lessons from successful applications. We characterized the case studies according to contextual and methodological criteria. Each case study was assessed through a codified score card method in order to detect success or failure criteria in using the ecosystem services concept in participatory planning. We compared the case study criteria with the results of the balanced score card method. Results: We identified several positive effects of applying the ecosystem services concept in participatory planning, including the facilitation of knowledge sharing and consideration of local experiences, the support towards a shared vision, and the increased awareness among local actors concerning their role as ecosystem services suppliers or beneficiaries. Among the drawbacks, we identified the risk of overemphasizing specific ecosystem goods or services during the process. Conclusions: We conclude by providing some recommendations to enhance future practice related to issues such as communication, use of local knowledge and integration of ecosystem services in existing legal instruments.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Environmental Planning

External Organisation(s)

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
Opole University of Technology
University of Bonn
Gebze Technical University
Istanbul Technical University
Colegio de Postgraduados (CP)
University of the Basque Country
University of Catania
Universidad Católica de Temuco (UCT)
University of Trento
University of Amsterdam
Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE)

Type

Article

Journal

Landscape Ecology

Volume

34

Pages

1715-1735

No. of pages

21

ISSN

0921-2973

Publication date

01.07.2019

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Geography, Planning and Development, Ecology, Nature and Landscape Conservation

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-018-0745-6 (Access: Closed)