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EIA Pilot Study: Project Background. Objectives: test integration of ecosystem services into a corporate EIA application Study context Pump station construction project in subalpine meadow, Caucasus Region (Eurasia) Pilot study performed separate from, but in parallel with, EIA.
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EIA Pilot Study: Project Background • Objectives: test integration of ecosystem services into a corporate EIA application • Study context • Pump station construction project in subalpine meadow, Caucasus Region (Eurasia) • Pilot study performed separate from, but in parallel with, EIA
Ecological Social Equity Economic Economy Ecological Social 2013 EcoMetrix Solutions Group, LLC
Change in Production Service Flows Receptor Dependency
Ecosystem Services Framework VALUE Communities and local stakeholders will prioritize natural benefits based on dependence, desire, or other factors. This prioritized value can be measured through either economic or non-economic means. SERVICES Natural benefits produced on a site can be measured as benefit flows across a landscape. Changing those benefit flows will have social and economic consequences. FUNCTIONS Nature performs functions which we rely on for survival and quality of life – these benefits are provided by the complex interaction of many functions. LANDSCAPE ATTRIBUTES Landscape conditions associated with vegetation, water regime, soil, topography etc. determine the extent to which ecological functions are performed (biotic and abiotic). 2013 EcoMetrix Solutions Group, LLC
Alternatives Considered Design Alternative EcoMetrix Alternative
Breaking Down Silos Sheep and cattle grazing Stone chapel built on holy spring Grazing vs. forest vs. wetlands vs. holy spring Holy spring and forest
Lessons Learned • It is important to actually understanding the underlying ecological processes and context before jumping into any valuation exercise. • The valuation approach needs to be driven by the decision being made. • Corollary: Non-economic valuing can be very important within a decision making process. • It is important not to predetermine which services are important (and therefore worth measuring).