SCNAT and its network are committed to a sustainable science and society. They support policy-making, administration and business with expert knowledge and actively participate in public discourse. They strengthen the exchange across scientific disciplines and promote early career academics.

Image: Sebastian, stock.adobe.com

Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development (MOOC)

Ecosystem services are a way of thinking about – and evaluating – the goods and services provided by nature that contribute to the well-being of humans. This MOOC will cover scientific (technical), economic, and socio-political dimensions of the concept through a mix of theory, case-studies, interviews with specialists and a serious-game.

thundery atmosphere lake alluvial forest
Image: M. Bolliger

By the end of this course, our aim is to enable you to:

  • define the concept of ecosystem services, its principles and limitations
  • understand the key services associated with any ressource (e.g., fresh water) through readings and case-studies
  • appreciate the advantages and potential risks of monetising ecosystem services
  • appreciate the social dimensions (power issues, cultural biases) embedded within any method
  • integrate tactical advice on mainstreaming this approach into policy and standard government practices
  • Optional: learn how to map ecosystem services with GIS tools

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