In making an ecosystem-based and integrated approach in analyzing forest ecosystem services, planners should first understand the different factors that affect decision-making regarding the use of an ecosystem and at the same time, identify the inherent value and benefits that the forest ecosystem provide. This topic shows two conceptual frameworks that mirror integrated forest ecosystem service management processes.
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
Define integrative approach.
Enumerate the steps in an integrated ecosystem assessment.
Topic Readings
The required readings will be drawn from open books, which can be freely downloaded by students without having to worry about copyright issues. There will be optional readings that students might want to purchase for digging deeper into the topic, essential information from all readings will be encapsulated in the courses’ Module Notebook.
Ten Brink, P., Russi, D., Tinch, R., Schoumacher, C., Agarwala, M., and Bateman, I. (2015). The use of economic and social values of natural capital and ecosystem services in national accounting. Ecosystem Science for Policy and Practice Discussion Paper.
After viewing video lectures, take 10 minutes now to take the self-check quiz at Online Self-test 4.1.
Activities & Assignments
Online Discussions
Online Forum 11- Post a constructive comment on the refined ideas of at least two peers.
Instructions:
During the first three days of the week, comment on at least two of your peers’ refined ideas in the case study. Only comment on those peers with two comments or less.
During days 4-7, try to reply to your peers’ comments to clarify some suggestions or explain your side.
After negotiating with your peers, incorporate your agreed suggestions into your Tropical Forest Ecosystem Services Management Plan.
Topic Summary
This topic introduced the concept of integrative approach in ecosystem services assessment. The importance of analyzing how ecosystem services are utilized interdependently by different people from upstream to downstream. This was done to show that in ecosystem service management, the actions of the people with regards to a specific ecosystem value affect other sectors in the same geographical area.
Topic Self-review (Optional)
Use the following self-reflection questions as study guide to conduct your self-review for the topic.
What ecosystem services do you use that are shared with the whole community in general? How do you maximize and/or limit the use of such resources?
Do you think that it is possible to implement an integrative ecosystem management plan in a community? Why or Why not?
FODE004
Requirements Changed
Module IV Introduction Topic 4.2: Market, Government and Human Values