Synthesis of Two Decades of US EPA's Ecosystem Services Research to Inform Environmental, Community, and Sustainability Decision Making.

Chloe A. Jackson,Matthew C. Harwell

doi:10.3390/su13158249

Abstract

A conceptual framework is helpful to understand what types of ecosystem services (ES) information is needed to support decision making. Principles of structured decision making are helpful for articulating how ES consideration can influence different elements in a given decision context resulting in changes to the environment, human health, and well-being. This article presents a holistic view of an ES framework, summarizing two decades of the US EPA’s ES research, including recent advances in final ES, those ES that provide benefits directly to people. Approximately 150 peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and book chapters characterize a large ES research portfolio. In introducing framework elements and the suite of relevant US EPA research for each element, both challenges and opportunities are identified. Lessons from research to advance each of the final ES elements can be useful for identifying gaps and future science needs. Ultimately, the goal of this article is to help the reader develop an operational understanding of the final ES conceptual framework, an understanding of the state of science for a number of ES elements, and an introduction to some ES tools, models, and frameworks that may be of use in their case-study applications or decision-making contexts.

Highlights

Paper; EPA/100/F-15/004; U.S Environmental Protection Agency: Washington, DC, USA, 2015.Munns, W.R., Jr.; Rea, A.W.; Suter, G.W.; Martin, L.; Blake-Hedges, L.; Crk, T.; Davis, C.; Ferreira, G.; Jordan, S.; Mahoney, M.; et al.Ecosystem services as assessment endpoints for ecological risk assessment
The final ecosystem goods and services (FEGS) Scoping Tool uses the clearly defined categories of the National Ecosystem Services Classification System (NESCS) Plus [19] to help determine who may be affected by decision alternatives and what these beneficiaries value as some general language before digging into some of the more specific study findings
One case study approach used a place-based study strategy, allowing a holistic approach to operationalize scientific information for decision making through the integration of science with the social, economic, and environmental characteristics of a place [20]

Summary

Objectives

The goal of this article is to help the reader develop an operational understanding of the final ES conceptual framework, an understanding of the state of science for a number of ES elements, and an introduction to some ES tools, models, and frameworks that may be of use in their case-study applications or decision-making contexts

Methods

Results

Conclusion