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The 18 benefits of using ecosystem services classification systems
Finisdore, J., Rhodes, C., Haines-Young, R., Maynard, S., Wielgus, J., Dvarkskas, A., Houdet, J., Quetier, F., Lamothe, K., Ding, H., Soulard, F., Van Houtven, G. L., & Rowcroft, P. (2020). The 18 benefits of using ecosystem services classification systems. Ecosystem Services, 45, Article 101160.
Ecosystem services (ES) practitioners (e.g., researchers, policy makers) have been working to better define,measure, and value the ways that nature contributes to society. Because measurement techniques follow thelabeling or identification of ES, precise identification is critical. This article reviews literature and consultsexperts in classification science and ES to determine the expected benefits of using ES classification knowledge(classification knowledge); ecosystem services classification systems (ES-CS) and their principles. An informalanalysis of the costs of transitioning from the current ad-hoc approach—based on various ES lists—to usingclassification knowledge was conducted. 18 benefits of using classification knowledge were found, includingallowing ES to be defined more easily and precisely, easing the transfer of knowledge among studies, andavoiding the need to recreate ES identification systems. Collectively, these 18 benefits should allow for moreaccurate and consistent definition of ES, thereby serving to improve communication and measurement of ES.Moreover, the expected benefits of using ES-CS outweigh expected costs of the transition. Practitioners can useES-CS in whole, or in parts, as their research or their institutions warrant. Finally, a case study was conductedthat shows how ES measures can be organized using ES-CS, delivering benefits to practitioner