Economic valuation of uplands ecosystem services
NECR029
Geographical coverage
| Geographical scale of the assessment | National |
|---|---|
| Country or countries covered | United Kingdom |
| Any other necessary information or explanation for identifying the location of the assessment, including site or region name |
England’s uplands – 6 case studies: Bleaklow, Ingleborough National Natural Reserve, X-Dale, Wild Ennerdale, SCaMP, North Pennines AONB |
Geographical scale of the assessment
National
Country or countries covered
United Kingdom
Any other necessary information or explanation for identifying the location of the assessment, including site or region name
England’s uplands – 6 case studies: Bleaklow, Ingleborough National Natural Reserve, X-Dale, Wild Ennerdale, SCaMP, North Pennines AONB
Conceptual framework, methodology and scope
Assessment objectives
The scope of this research was to examine the use of economic valuation techniques for valuing the ecosystem service changes due to upland management interventions and policies at a wide range of scales. The research aimed to develop a methodology and to test its applicability to a number of management changes at a range of scales. The results led to recommendations about where and how to apply economic valuation techniques for uplands ecosystem services, and point to where further research is most needed.
Mandate for the assessment
This work was commissioned as part of Natural England's Upland Futures Project, which is developing a long term vision for the upland environment in 2060.
Conceptual framework and/or methodology used for the assessment
Other (please specify)
For this research an approach and methodology were developed and tested for valuing the impacts (costs/ benefits) that a series of changes to land use and management might have on the delivery of ecosystem services and benefits.
For this research an approach and methodology were developed and tested for valuing the impacts (costs/ benefits) that a series of changes to land use and management might have on the delivery of ecosystem services and benefits.
URL or copy of conceptual framework developed or adapted
The conceptual framework is described in the report that can be downloaded from: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/48003
System(s) assessed
- Forest and woodland
- Cultivated/Agricultural land
- Grassland
- Moorland
- Blanket bog
Species groups assessed
Ecosystem services/functions assessed
Provisioning
- Food
- Water
- Timber/fibres
- Energy/fuel
Regulating
- Moderation of extreme events
- Regulation of water flows
- Regulation of water quality
Supporting Services/Functions
- Habitat maintenance
Cultural Services
- Recreation and tourism
- Sense of place
Scope of assessment includes
Drivers of change in systems and services
Yes
Impacts of change in services on human well-being
Yes
Options for responding/interventions to the trends observed
Yes
Explicit consideration of the role of biodiversity in the systems and services covered by the assessment
No
Timing of the assessment
Year assessment started
2008
Year assessment finished
2009
If ongoing, year assessment is anticipated to finish
Periodicity of assessment
Assessment outputs
Report(s)
Natural England Commissioned Report NECR029 - Economic valuation of uplands ecosystem services
NECR029_edition_1.pdf
Communication materials (e.g. brochure, presentations, posters, audio-visual media)
Journal publications
Training materials
Other documents/outputs
Tools and processes
Tools and approaches used in the assessment
- Scenarios
- Economic valuation
Process used for stakeholder engagement in the assessment process and which component
Key stakeholder groups engaged
The number of people directly involved in the assessment process
Incorporation of scientific and other types of knowledge
- Scientific information only
Supporting documentation for specific approaches, methodology or criteria developed and/or used to integrate knowledge systems into the assessment
Supporting documentation is listed in the report that can be downloaded from: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/48003
Assessment reports peer reviewed
Yes
Data
Accessibility of data used in assessment
The data used for the economic analysis is published in the report.
Policy impact
Impacts the assessment has had on policy and/or decision making, as evidenced through policy references and actions
Independent or other review on policy impact of the assessment
No
Lessons learnt for future assessments from these reviews
Capacity building
Capacity building needs identified during the assessment
Actions taken by the assessment to build capacity
How have gaps in capacity been communicated to the different stakeholders
Knowledge generation
Gaps in knowledge identified from the assessment
To a greater or lesser extent, there are uncertainties – physical, ecological and/or economic - in all the ecosystem services examined. In particular, more work is needed looking at underlying soils and how this influences services. To some extent this work exists, but interpretations of habitats in this report do not reflect the full range of information available.
