Resource

DESSIN ecosystem services evaluation software tool

Author/Contact:

IWW Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wasser
Lisa Zimmermann
Moritzstr. 26, D-45476 Mülheim an der Ruhr
Internet: http://www.iww-online.de/ 
E-Mail: l.zimmermann@iww-online.de 
Phone: +49 (0)177 3368434

Publication date:

Resource description:

The free Ecosystem Services (ESS) evaluation software tool by DESSIN helps decision-makers to make the best choice by evaluating the effects that innovative solutions have on freshwater ecosystems and their services. The tool identifies and measures the ecosystem services that are provided to humans by nature. While this may sound simple, many different ecosystem services may be present at a particular location, and the tool helps to make sure that all of them are considered. It suggests indicators for measures of ESS provision and use, as well as economic valuation methods.

Requirements:

  • The ESS tool requires basic familiarity with Windows software. No specialized software skills are required. However, the tool can be extended to estimate indicator values, including economic values, by scientists and engineers familiar with modelling and
  • The software tool is part of the MIKE Workbench software, which is used to work with simulation models, data, and maps. To use the DESSIN tool, you need to install this software first. Some optional features of MIKE Workbench can be used to extend the too
  • Download links and instructions for the Ecosystem Services Evaluation software tool and the user guide are available at the DESSIN website. If you want more information about the tool, please feel free to contact Niels Riegels under ndr@dhigroup.com.

Advantages:

  • The ESS tool provides a systematic approach to identifying, measuring, and valuing Ecosystem Services.
  • It also is capable of measuring changes in ESS resulting from new policies or solutions, which makes the tool useful for cost-benefit analyses or other assessment exercises.
  • Furthermore, the tool provides guidance for implementing the DESSIN sustainability assessment, which gives a broader perspective on proposed policies, projects and solutions.

Uses of this resource:

 

 The main target audience for the tool are scientists and planners who provide information and advice to decision makers. Technological service providers may also be interested in using the tool for marketing if their services are thought to have positive impacts on ESS.

Additional information:

The tool is available free of charge and was developed under the FP7-funded European research project
DESSIN (Demonstrate Ecosystem Services Enabling Innovation in the Water Sector).

The tool is available on the DESSIN website (www.dessin-project.eu). The main objectives of DESSIN are to demonstrate and promote innovative solutions for water scarcity and water quality related challenges & to demonstrate a methodology for the valuation of ecosystem services (ESS).

Licence:

  • Free, no licence

Development stage:

  • Full, working product

Quality assurance:

  • Own QA and testing
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