Ecosystem services: foundations, opportunities, and challenges for the forest products sector

Trista Patterson; Dana L. Coelho

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2008.11.010

Treesearch

Ecosystem services: foundations, opportunities, and challenges for the forest products sector

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Trista Patterson, Dana L. Coelho

Year:

2009

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2008.11.010

Source:

Forest Ecology and Management. 257(8): 1637-1646

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Abstract

The ecosystem service concept has been proposed as a meaningful framework for natural resource management. In theory, it holds concomitant benefit and consequence for the forest product sector. However, numerous barriers impede practitioners from developing concrete and enduring responses to emerging ecosystem service markets, policies, and initiatives. Principal among these barriers is that the ecosystem service concept has a complex history, numerous definitions in use, and an astounding diversity in rationale and application. This article provides a conceptual review of ecosystem services and their economic foundations, distinguishes among several current definitions of the term and their relatedness to strategies in practical application, discusses diverse approaches to valuation, and explores potential for future relevance in forest product and other sectors.

Keywords

Ecosystem services, natural resource management, forest products

Citation

Patterson, Trista M.; Coelho, Dana L. 2009. Ecosystem services: foundations, opportunities, and challenges for the forest products sector. Forest Ecology and Management. 257(8):1637-1646.