Trade-off analysis of ecosystem service provision in nature networks

We propose a spatial multi-criteria decision analysis approach as a value-focused decision support tool for evaluating land use change decisions affecting multiple ecosystem services. In an empirical case study concerned with creating a robust and interconnected network of natural areas in a Danish...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecosystem services Vol. 23; pp. 165 - 173
Main Authors: Vogdrup-Schmidt, Mathias, Strange, Niels, Olsen, Søren B., Thorsen, Bo Jellesmark
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2017
Subjects:
case studies
decision support systems
ecosystem services
EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020
financial economics
forests
ILWIS
land use change
Mapping ecosystem services
multi-criteria decision making
opportunity costs
Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis
EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020
Mapping ecosystem services
Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis
ILWIS
ISSN:2212-0416, 2212-0416
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:We propose a spatial multi-criteria decision analysis approach as a value-focused decision support tool for evaluating land use change decisions affecting multiple ecosystem services. In an empirical case study concerned with creating a robust and interconnected network of natural areas in a Danish municipality, we first conduct a biophysical and economic baseline mapping of ecosystem services. We then construct a spatially explicit multi-criteria decision analysis model which is utilized to identify candidate areas for inclusion in the network. We define a base scenario for future land use in the area, where all criteria have equal weight, and assess the outcome in terms of welfare economic benefits of ecosystem services and opportunity cost of reducing forest and agricultural production. As weights in multi-criteria analysis is innately a subjective task, we conduct a sensitivity analysis using four corner solution scenarios. The analyses illustrate the possible range of impacts and highlight the specific trade-offs between different ecosystem services. We argue that a multi-criteria decision analysis approach will help inform decision makers in a structured and informative way when considering future land use changes. •A biophysical and economic baseline mapping of ecosystem services.•Illustration of impacts and highlighting of trade-offs between ecosystem services.•Application of the multi-criteria decision analysis approach for land use changes.
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content type line 23
ISSN:2212-0416
2212-0416
DOI:10.1016/j.ecoser.2016.12.011