CSF collaborated with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Helmholtz-Zentrum Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) GmbH in a global project that aimed to aid decision-makers in partner countries in recognizing and integrating ecosystem services into policy making, planning and implementation of specific projects. ValuES focuses on developing instruments and training courses, providing technical advice and facilitating planning and decision-making processes. In addition, knowledge-sharing via regional workshops and participation in global discussion forums are conducted.
Why ecosystem services?
Ecosystem services are Nature's benefits to people. They comprise the diverse ways we depend on Nature. The idea of ecosystem services speaks to many decision-makers, for example in regional planning, infrastructure, rural development or urban management. Counting on Nature's benefits requires us to know them better.
Objectives and approach of ValuES:
1. Analysis of existing experiences
Analyse existing approaches to ecosystem service assessment and valuation. Identify best practice case studies and generate lessons learned.
2. Inventory of methods and tools
Develop an inventory of methods, tools, and indicators to guide practitioners and decision makers in the selection of approaches to integrating ecosystem services into different sectoral and other policies
3. Advisory services to partner countries
Provide country-specific advisory services to practitioners and decision makers to identify and include the value of ecosystem services in specific policies and projects.
4. Capacity building
Develop and facilitate trainings regarding the selection and application of methods and tools for the assessment and valuation of ecosystem services and how to integrate them into decision-making processes.
5. Network support and international exchange
Support exchange via international networks and existing South-South and North-South platforms. Develop and disseminate recommendations related to the design, use and integration into policy making of assessment and valuation methods and tools at international forums.
CSF's contribution centered on building capacity in economic tools for the integration of ecosystem services into decision making in the ValuES partner countries. We did this through collaboration on a series of training courses, contribution to the inventory of methods and tools, and technical support for pilot projects.
For more information on ValuES, including the specific methods involved, please see:
http://www.aboutvalues.net/
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On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) as part of the International Climate Initiative (ICI), the ValuES project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in close collaboration with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF).