Abstract
Ecosystem condition is a fundamental component in the ecosystem accounting framework as part of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EEA). Here, we develop a conceptual framework and present a practical structure for implementing ecosystem condition accounts to contribute to the revision process of the SEEA EEA, focussing on six core elements: (1) developing a common definition of ecosystem condition, (2) establishing a conceptual framing for ecosystem condition, (3) portraying the role of condition within the SEEA EEA accounting system, (4) deriving an inclusive multi-purpose approach, (5) describing the components of condition accounts and (6) developing a three-stage structure for reporting accounts. We develop a conceptual framework for an inclusive condition account, building on an ecological understanding of ecosystems upon which definitions, concepts, classifications and reporting structures were based. The framework encompasses the dual perspectives of first, the interdependencies of ecosystem composition, structure and function in maintaining ecosystem integrity and second, the capacity of ecosystems to supply services as benefits for humans. The following components of ecosystem condition accounts are recommended to provide comprehensive, consistent, repeatable and transparent accounts: (1) intrinsic and instrumental values, together with ecocentric and anthropocentric worldviews; (2) a formal typology or classification of characteristics, variables and indicators, based on selection criteria; (3) a reference condition used both to compare past, current and future levels of indicators of condition and as a basis for aggregation of indicators; and (4) a three-stage approach to compiling accounts with increasing levels of information and complexity that are appropriate for different purposes and applications. The recommended broad and inclusive scope of ecosystem condition and the demonstrated practical methods for implementation of accounts will enhance the ecosystem accounting framework and thus support a wider range of current and potential applications and users.
Highlights
Ecosystem condition is a fundamental component in the ecosystem accounting framework within the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EEA) (United Nations et al 2014), which provides global guidelines for including ecosystems in natural capital accounts
Ecosystem accounting integrates complex biophysical and other data and uses those data to track changes in ecosystem extent and condition and their interdependencies with the economy and human well-being. These accounts establish the link between ecosystem assets as stocks and ecosystem services as flows in a way that is compatible with the internal logic of the System of National Accounts (SNA)
The concept of ecosystem condition as it relates to the accounts, and the general approach of characterising ecosystem assets with relevant condition indicators, were described in the SEEA EEA 2012 (United Nations et al 2014) and its Technical Recommendations (United Nations 2017)
Summary
Ecosystem condition is a fundamental component in the ecosystem accounting framework within the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EEA) (United Nations et al 2014), which provides global guidelines for including ecosystems in natural capital accounts. A broad and inclusive framework for ecosystem condition accounting encompassing this range in values helps reconcile different views from different disciplines and encourages a greater array of participants in the development, use and application of accounts. This proposed framework describes ecosystem condition beyond that used for previous purposes (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005, Maes et al 2013). Assessing the role of reference conditions in terms of a conceptual approach appropriate for ecosystem accounting, application for different purposes, and comparison across different characteristics, ecosystem types and accounting areas; 5. A range of applications of condition accounts are described for policy processes and decision-making
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
