Abstract

Environmental compensation should address negative impacts from human activities on nature, including loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, successful compensation, achieving no net loss, requires broad quantitative information on different types of losses and gains. We find that the scope of compensatory schemes varies in what is considered compensable, which makes it challenging to apply a conceptual approach consistently across schemes with different needs. We propose a flexible yet structured framework for determining which values should be compensated and how. Our framework focuses specifically on habitat deterioration and is illustrated with a case study involving loss of eelgrass habitat. The framework helps identify compensation needs and selects among suitable compensation options, merging science-based information with normative issues and local concerns. By integrating the ecosystem services cascade model, it encompasses aspects from biodiversity structure to human wellbeing. The framework prefers in-kind compensation because this targets the structure level and thus meets compensation needs in all subsequent levels of the cascade model; further, it is more likely to capture non-instrumental values (i.e. in nature) and reduce exposure to uncertainty. We highlight the importance of spatial aspects of ecosystem functions, services and their subsequent impacts on wellbeing. Although our selection hierarchy assumes a "similar and nearby" principle for habitat restoration (preference for in-kind/on-site), this criterion is not universal. We underscore the hierarchy's implicit normative assumptions and suggest that apparent disagreement about who should benefit may be traced to an unresolved conflict between egalitarianism and utilitarianism.

Keywords

Biodiversity offset; Cascade model; Instrumental values; Coastal habitat; Deterioration; Habitat loss

Published in

Ecosystem Services
2021, Volume: 50, article number: 101319
Publisher: ELSEVIER

SLU Authors

• Sundblad, Göran

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Bergström, Ulf

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Kraufvelin, Patrik

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Bergström, Lena

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

Coastal and sea areas


Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages


UKÄ Subject classification

Climate Research
Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2021.101319

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/113286