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Capacity: New faces and fresh ideas in Alberta

Capacity. What does that mean and how do you measure it? Capacity building can mean a variety of things to different people and organizations. The Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Network (ESBN) members understand this is a challenge, but equally know it can’t be ignored. To the ESBN, capacity means having the understanding, the competencies and the knowledge to develop and execute ecosystem services (ES) and biodiversity markets. Capacity means we understand the science, the economics and the social benefits to develop ES and biodiversity markets. Capacity signifies we have the means to develop accounting protocols, assessment platforms and decisions support systems.

The Evolution of Corporate Sustainability Reporting: Where do Ecosystem Services Fit in?

Forcing Compliance, the Rise of Environmental Stewardship

Ecosystem Service Markets and Opportunities for Agriculture in Alberta

Ecosystem Service Markets and Opportunities for Agriculture in Alberta

Submitted by Marian Weber

The Value of Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem Services are the benefits to humans from healthy functioning ecosystems. Ecosystem services include products such as food, fiber, energy, and clean water that are consumed, as well as climate regulation and water storage that reduce risks to assets, and habitat for fish, wildlife and biodiversity, clean water supplies and wildlife habitat that healthy landscapes and ecosystems provide humans. As land stewards, farmers can take actions that enhance the value of ecosystem services. Some of these actions are a win-win, and increase soil productivity and improve water management. Others come at a cost. Markets for ecosystem services are a way of recognizing the value of healthy ecosystems provided to society and providing incentives to count those values in land management decisions.

Why You Should be Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Your 2016 Business Plan

Many industries enjoy a wide range of benefits from the resources and processes supplied by nature. Forests supply timber and wood fiber, purify rivers and streams, and yield genetic resources. River systems provide freshwater, power, and recreation. Coastal wetlands filter waste, mitigate floods, and serve as nurseries for commercial fisheries.