Interactions of ecosystem properties, ecosystem integrity and ecosystem service indicators—A theoretical matrix exercise

The ecosystem service concept is becoming more and more acknowledged in science and decision-making, resulting in several applications in different case studies and in environmental management, but still it is developing in terms of definitions, typologies and understanding its complexity. By examining the interrelations between ecosystem properties, ecosystem integrity, biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being qualitatively, the mutual influences on each constituent of the ‘ecosystem service cascade’ are illuminated, giving an impulse for further discussions and improvements for a better understanding of the complexity of human–environmental systems. Results of the theoretical interactions are among others the assumption that provisioning services exclude or compete with each other, while the role of biodiversity was found to be supporting for regulating services and cultural services. Ecosystem services meet the criteria of being adequate human–environmental system indicators and therefore, they are an appropriate instrument for decision-making and management.

▶ A holistic indicator set for ecological integrity, ecosystem services and human well-being is proposed. ▶ Interactions between ecosystem properties, ecological integrity, ecosystem services and human well-being are analyzed qualitatively. ▶ The role of biodiversity for ecosystem service provision is analyzed. ▶ The interrelations between ecosystem services show potentials on mutual support and competition. ▶ Challenges for further investigations are elaborated and the opportunity for the development of systems analyses is given.