Ecosystem accounts, as formalized by the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Experimental Ecosystem Accounts (SEEA EEA), have been compiled in a number of countries, yet there have been few attempts to develop them for the U.S. We explore the potential for U.S. ecosystem accounting by compiling ecosystem extent, condition, and ecosystem services supply and use accounts for a 10-state region in the Southeast. The pilot accounts address air quality, water quality, biodiversity, carbon storage, recreation, and pollination for selected years from 2001 to 2015. Results illustrate how information from ecosystem accounts can contribute to policy and decision making. [Read more…] about Testing Ecosystem Accounting in the United States: a Case Study for the Southeast
News
LIFE integrated project for enhanced management of Natura 2000 in Slovenia
The Slovenian Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning coordinates the LIFE Integrated project for enhanced management of Natura 2000 in Slovenia – LIFE-IP NATURA.SI.
Slovenia is among EU countries with the highest biodiversity, with 38% of the territory in Natura 2000 network, which is highly demanding for management and monitoring. The aim of IP NATURA.SI is to enhance implementation of national Natura 2000 Management Programme by connecting key stakeholders and available approaches in nature conservation, improving and connecting results, knowledge and best practices gained in IP, traditional LIFE, complementary and other projects. [Read more…] about LIFE integrated project for enhanced management of Natura 2000 in Slovenia
Legal Instruments to Protect Ecosystem Services
Legal Instruments to Protect Ecosystem Services: Alexandre Altmann presented in Coimbra University Faculty of Law (Portugal) the PhD thesis denominated “Legal Instruments to Protect Ecosystem Services”. The author proposes the adoption of a “Legal Theory of Ecosystem Services” to systematize and operationalize the ES concept in the design of laws, court decisions, contracts, political / administrative decision making, etc. Author contact: [email protected]
Biodiversity increasing yield in a paddy field
Biodiversity increasing yield in a paddy field: researchers from São João Del Rey University, in the Southwest of Brazil highlighted the importance of preserving heterogeneity of paddy fields, which may increase species and benefits they provide to the crop. More information with Anderson O. Latini – [email protected]
Updates from Brazil: Making Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Effective
Making Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Effective: The “Mata Atlântica” project translated to Portuguese the document “Making Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Effective: Parameters to define qualification criteria and quality standards”. The publication provides practical information for designing, implementing and monitoring EbA measures.
The Biodiversity and Climate Change project in the Atlantic Forest (“Mata Atlântica Project”) is coordinated by the Brazilian Ministry of Environment (MMA), in the context of the Brazil-Germany Cooperation for Sustainable Development, within the scope of the International Climate Protection Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety (BMU) of Germany. The initiative has technical support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and financial support from KfW.