Policies
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Access to UNEP-WCMC datasets is provided on the understanding that you read and consent to be bound by the Terms and Conditions set out in the policies below.
Ecosystem Services & Assessment
UNEP-WCMC is one of the lead organisations examining the importance of ecosystem services to human well-being, the role of biodiversity in underpinning ecosystem services, and exploring ways to bring this more clearly to the attention of policy makers such as through ecosystem assessment.
Biodiversity is the foundation of ecosystem services to which human well-being is directly linked. Ecosystem functions include provisioning, supporting, cultural and regulating services. Extinction of species, changes in biotic interactions between species and introduction of alien species can all interrupt ecosystem processes, and thus have an effect on ecosystem services. Changes in ecosystem services have an impact on human well-being, because we depend on many ecosystem services often without even realising, such as provision of clean water, pollination of crops, regulation of pests, and food production on good quality soil.
Below are some key initiatives that the Ecosystem Assessment Programme is supporting and implementing:
In This Section
UK National Ecosystem Assessment
The UK National Ecosystem Assessment (UK NEA) is the first analysis of the UK’s natural environment in terms of the benefits it provides to society and continuing economic prosperity.
MoreSub-Global Assessment Network
The Sub-Global Assessment (SGA) Network seeks to create a common platform for practitioners (individuals and organizations) involved in ecosystem assessment at regional, sub-regional, national and sub-national levels.
MoreDeveloping and Mainstreaming Ecosystem Service Indicators
UNEP-WCMC, funded by Swedbio, is currently working with partners to improve the way in which ecosystem services are measured, monitored and assessed at different scales.
MoreOther Ecosystem Assessments
UNEP-WCMC supports other ecosystem services and assessment work. One example is Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation’s (ESPA’s) China report. This section will shortly be updated as new assessment work is started.
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