This report was produced in the context of the Knowledge Innovation Project on an Integrated system of Natural Capital and ecosystem services Accounting (KIP INCA), which aims to develop a set of experimental accounts at the EU level, following the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting - Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EEA). It assesses and accounts for two ecosystem services: outdoor recreation (on a daily basis) and crop pollination. Each service is assessed biophysically using the ESTIMAP toolbox, and then translated into monetary units using valuation methods consistent with the System of National Accounts.
This work highlights the importance of the spatial relationship between ecosystem service potential and demand. The changes in the use of the service cannot be explained solely by changes in the potential and demand, but also by their spatial relationship. When dealing with ecosystem services, the spatial component is a key driver that needs to be integrated within the accounting framework for a consistent assessment. The spatial relationship between potential and demand is different for each service. Crop pollination requires the spatial overlap between potential and demand, whereas proximity is the key spatial feature for outdoor recreation. As shown by the two examples, ecosystem service accounts significantly differ depending on the service being assessed, both conceptually and methodologically. Hence, further examples of ecosystem service accounting are needed to produce accounting tables for a representative number of services. Ultimately, the availability of this information represents a key input for the analysis of synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services.
Related Case Studies
This study presents a framework for the valuation of ecosystem services related to conservation policies, both theoretically and practically, in order to make an economic case for the conservation of biodiversity. Theoretically, it is shown that the application of monetary valuation techniques is instrumental to the outcomes of models. Practically, the case study covers the valuation of water purification in the Northern Mediterranean region.
This publication summarizes the results and methodological findings of a first round of test applications of the European Framework for Integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting for Forests. Its objective is to provide an insight into the experience gained and progress made in linking forest-related data to the national accounts.
This experimental review explores options for developing integrated seagrass accounts, primarily focusing on ecosystem extent accounts and ecosystem condition accounts, while briefly reviewing how these accounts could be linked to ‘ecosystem production’ and ‘service supply-use’ accounts.
This study estimates the distribution of costs of reclaiming and transporting treated wastewater for reuse in agricultural irrigation across Europe. It considers treatment costs as well as the costs associated with the water transport infrastructure and energy for pumping.