LCN Workshop: Landscape and Ecosystem Services

Humanity has always depended on the ecosystem services provided by the landscapes in which we have settled. In current policy and research, there is often a focus on the more tangible ecosystem services: provisioning services, such as food production; regulating services such as flood control; and supporting services such as nutrient cycling. Often, there is less attention on the cultural services provided by ecosystems such as recreational activity, spiritual associations and community identity.

There is increasing recognition of the importance of understanding the ecosystems upon which we depend. The relationship between people and their environment is central to this understanding. The European Landscape Convention recognises this relationship in its definition of landscape as an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the interaction of natural and/or cultural forces. Assessment of the distinctive aspects of a landscape’s character and how the landscape is perceived should form a key part of any assessment of ecosystem services.

This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn about the concepts of ecosystem services from those involved in using this approach in their work. The relationship between the approach and landscape character will also be discussed. The workshop will include presentations by practitioners and opportunities for open discussion. It is aimed at people working in sustainable development and landscape planning.

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