Ecosystem Approach used to improve policy and decision making.

1. Applying the Ecosystem Approach to
Improve Policy and Decision-making
Processes: Making a tool of yourself
RGS/IGB Conference, 29 August 2013
Alister Scott (Birmingham City University)
Claudia Carter (Birmingham City University)
Mark Everard (Pundamilia Ltd)
Mike Hardman (University of Salford)

2. Aim of NEAFO
“To further develop and communicate the
evidence base of the UK NEA and make it
relevant to decision and policy making at
different spatial scales across the UK”
http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/NEWFollowonPhase/Aimoffollowupphase/tabid/128/Default.aspx

3. WP 9/10 – TABLES Project
The principal aim of work package 9/10 is to
mainstream the principles of the ecosystem
approach (EA) by adapting public policy and
decision-support tools within an ecosystem
services framework (ESF) to improve policy-and
decision-making processes and outcomes

5. EA and ESF in Policy and
Decision-making
Challenges
 From academic to policy and
practice
 Language / jargon
 Silos – status quo
 Lack of time and resources
 ESF dominant – EA marginal
 Bandwagon, manipulation
 Project constraints
 Conflicting demands
 Abstract/vague concept
 Bolt-on
Our approach
 From practice and policy with
academic insights
 … find common language
 Trans-disciplinary; new fora
 Co-production, co-financing
 EA basis – ESF one approach
 Work with champions
 Build partnerships / links
 Adapt; true to core EA
 Examples and tools
 Embed (ecosystem servicing)

6. EATME Ingredients
 Ecosystem Approach (12 principles)
 Hooks to capture key audiences and stakeholders (e.g.
NPPF, NEWP, DTC, Benefits, Risks)
 Co-production: Talk to exemplar projects about tool
experiences
 Classify, use, review and adapt existing tools rather
than create something new
 Use existing policy cycle / decision-making processes
 Ecosystem-servicing: linked bundle of high impact tools

7. Conceptual Framework

8. Ecosystem Servicing
Ecosystem serviced tools
1) Strategic Environment Assessment
2) Environmental Impact Assessment
3) Payments for Ecosystem Services
4) Ecosystem assessment
5) Ecosystem mapping (incl. SCCAN)
6) Cost Benefit Analysis
7) Futures
8) SUDS
9) Corporate Ecosystem Valuation
10)Engagement
11)Natural Capital Asset Check
KEY case studies
Cotswold AONB (4, 10)
North Devon and Torridge Local Plan
(1, 4, 5, 10)
Staffordshire County Council (4, 5)
South West Water - Exmoor (3)
Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local
Enterprise Partnership (7, 10)
South Downs NIA (4, 5)
Birmingham City Council (4, 5, 6)
Isle of Wight AONB (1, 4, 5, 10)
Natural Resources Wales (4, 5, 10)
Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan
(10)

9. Summary
 Important to capture existing good practice and
not re-invent wheel
 Ecosystem approach puts nature/humans at core
 More is better: Bundling of tools, services, systems
 We all have to get out of our silos and comfort zone
(pro-active, positive change, new links)
 The most forgotten ‘tool’ is you & me

10. alister.scott@bcu.ac.uk
claudia.carter@bcu.ac.uk
mark@pundamilia.co.uk
m.hardman@salford.ac.uk

11. Framework - Outputs
www.eatme-tree.org.uk
TYPOLOGY of tools
Stages with
GUIDANCE
Suite of TOOLS
with guidance
using ecosystem
service framework
Video
extracts
SUDs
Ecosystem Mapping