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Policy support tool

Acting on Ecosystem Service Opportunities

The document contains a detailed guide for choosing an economic instrument for conservation and for sustainable local development. The focus is on involving communities and enhancing their stewardship role. The guidelines demonstrate how to identify opportunities to use economic instruments by considering four key economic principles and subsequently assisting in designing and implementing the selected instruments.

Aim of the resource

The ESO guidelines help motivate people to change their behaviour in favour of more sustainable outcomes. They assist in designing and implementing selected instruments and is useful for technical staff, consultants and researchers who will actually be involved in working through the steps and tasks on the ground.

Requirements for using the resource NEW

Time requirement:

It is difficult to give the exact time and resource requirements for the process since they will depend on specific circumstances and what already exists in terms of project structures, contacts and networks, and resources. Ideally, the guidelines will support ongoing processes and build on available resources and an experienced team. In that case, the process could be done in 2 to 6 months. Short scoping studies could be done in a few weeks.

Expertise/Knowledge:

The team leader or someone else in the core team should ideally have some training (e.g. undergraduate education) in economic approaches and methods, be familiar with the concept of ecosystem services, and have a background in rural development or community-based conservation. The team should cover key technical disciplines and almost always include local experts and knowledge-holders.

Potential benefits from using the resource
The guidelines help practitioners to take a structured view of the motives and incentives of different actors for conserving – or degrading – ecosystems.
The guidelines help select suitable instruments that can positively change behaviour.
The guidelines assist successful stakeholder involvement during each step of the process.
Potential limitations from using the resource
Ensuring the necessary expertise in the team.
Considering the specific cultural context.
Overcoming legal and institutional gaps and barriers.
Ensuring financial sustainability of an instrument.
Is the resource freely available?
No
Do you want to add more details?
No
Assessment of effectiveness of the tool or instrument

See "Acting on Ecosystem Service Opportunities - Method Profile" (down below in "links").

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