Can we infer about ecosystem services from EIA and SEA practice? A framework for analysis and examples from Portugal

► Ecosystem services (ES) are still not generally considered in environmental assessments (EA). ► In Portuguese EA practice, ES evaluations can be considered predominantly implicit. ► Implicit assessment may allow inference of ES state and impacts. ► A framework for analysis of ES in EA practice is proposed for both EIA and SEA. ► Explicit assessments of ES in EA practice would improve decision-making on projects, plans and programs.