How can you incorporate ecosystem services into EIA reports?

1 What are ecosystem services and why are they relevant for EIA?

Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions of natural capital to human well-being. Natural capital refers to the stock of natural resources and processes that provide ecosystem services. For example, a forest provides timber, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, water purification, and recreation opportunities. Ecosystem services are relevant for EIA because they help to identify and measure the positive and negative impacts of a project on the environment and society, and to design mitigation and enhancement measures that balance the trade-offs and synergies between different services. By incorporating ecosystem services into EIA reports, you can demonstrate how your project contributes to sustainable development goals, enhances social acceptance, and reduces risks and costs.

2 How to identify and classify ecosystem services for EIA?

The first step to incorporate ecosystem services into EIA reports is to identify and classify the relevant services for your project and its affected area. You can use existing frameworks and typologies, such as the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) or the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES), to guide your selection. The MEA divides ecosystem services into four categories: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting. The CICES uses a more detailed hierarchical structure based on sections, divisions, and groups. For example, the section of regulation and maintenance includes the divisions of mediation of waste, toxics and other nuisances, mediation of flows, and maintenance of physical, chemical, and biological conditions. You can also consult with stakeholders, experts, and literature to identify the most relevant and significant ecosystem services for your project.

3 How to assess and value ecosystem services for EIA?

The next step is to assess and value the ecosystem services for your project and its alternatives. You can use different methods and tools, depending on the availability of data, the level of detail, and the purpose of your assessment. For example, you can use biophysical indicators, such as hectares of habitat, tons of carbon, or liters of water, to quantify the supply and demand of ecosystem services. You can also use economic valuation methods, such as market prices, cost-benefit analysis, or contingent valuation, to estimate the monetary value of ecosystem services. Alternatively, you can use qualitative or participatory methods, such as scoring, ranking, or mapping, to elicit the preferences and perceptions of stakeholders and beneficiaries. The main objective of assessing and valuing ecosystem services for EIA is to compare the impacts and benefits of your project and its alternatives, and to identify the winners and losers of different scenarios.