Resource

Ecosystem Services Indicator Guidance

Author/Contact:

UNEP-WCMC

Publication date:

Resource description:

Ecosystem service indicators are information that efficiently communicates the characteristics and trends of ecosystem services. Under OPERAs a decision support tool for developing ecosystem indicators has been published. The indicator development framework provides guidance on the process of developing successful indicators of ecosystem services. Detailed information is provided at each step of the framework, including identifying indicator needs and key questions to consider, gathering and analysing data as well as testing and communicating the results.

Requirements:

  • Stakeholder engagement is a key part of the indicator development process. Identification of who are the relevant stakeholders is an important initial step in using the indicator development framework as it will clarify the purpose of the indicator and it

Advantages:

  • It presents a step-by-step framework that can be used by a wide range of users for developing a suite of ecosystem service indicators
  • The framework can also be applied to develop biodiversity indicators
  • It provides guidance on mainstreaming ecosystem services and draws on examples from South Africa

Constraints:

  • Ecosystem service indicators are constrained by the availability and suitability of data.

Additional information:

Brown, C., Reyers, B., Ingwall-King, L., Mapendembe, A., Nel, J., O'Farrell, P., Dixon, M. & Bowles-Newark, N. J. (2014). Measuring ecosystem services: Guidance on developing ecosystem service indicators. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK.

UNEP-WCMC (2011). Developing ecosystem service indicators: Experience and lessons from sub-global assessments and other initiatives. Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Montreal, Canada. Technical Series No.58, 118 pp.

Licence:

  • Free, no licence

Development stage:

  • Full, working product