Implementation of the ecosystem service concept in water management – Challenges and ways forward

This paper briefly reviews challenges and shortcomings in implementation of the ecosystem service (ES) approach in water management and indicates possibilities to overcome these. This was the subject of a European workshop held in November 2014 in Oslo, Norway. Biophysical modeling of ES including trade-offs and off-site effects, consideration of different scales, quantification and valuation as well as involvements of stakeholders and communication with them were the main challenges identified. Recommendations included (1) the development of practical, usable guidance documents, (2) sharing of knowledge in ES assessment databases, (3) identification of means by which the “dominance” of monetary valuation can be overcome, (4) collection of evidence on if and how ES assessment results are used in decision making, and (5) a stronger involvement of stakeholders.