From Microbes to Mountains...
Filed under: Networks News Planning, Policy & Networks
This week marks the release of the first of a suite of CIWEM publications on Ecosystem Services to be launched during 2012. ‘From microbes to mountains’ seeks to inform environmental professionals and the public by summarising the wealth of information available on this increasingly important subject into one easily digestible document.
The terms ‘ecosystem services’ and ‘natural capital’ are increasingly used across the environment sector and within policy circles. They provide the ‘goods’ on which our economic, social, mental and cultural wellbeing are built, forming a core part of our heritage.
However, due to their complexity and relatively recent conception, understanding of their definitions and purpose remains weak. ‘From microbes to mountains’ goes some way to informing environmental professionals and the public alike through: defining the terminology; providing the environmental and political context through which terminology has developed; and highlighting where the strengths and weaknesses lie.
CIWEM’s response to the policy implications of such approaches will be outlined in the separate Policy Position Statement ‘Ecosystem Services’ which is due to be published in Summer 2012. The content from these documents will be published in an amalgamated form in a final report.
CIWEM’s Executive Director, Nick Reeves OBE, says:
“From 'Microbes to mountains' is informative and educational. It provides a good understanding of the role of ecosystem services in environmental management and its vital contribution to the economy. Such work helps to not only inform environmental professionals, but the public too; and so fulfilling CIWEM's charitable and public benefit aims. This important piece of work provides a spring board for CIWEM’s policy development in this increasingly expanding and vital sector.”
For more information contact Rosanna Geary, CIWEM, Policy Administrator, on 020 7831 3110 or rosanna@ciwem.org
Notes
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is an independent professional body and a registered charity, advancing the science and practice of water and environmental management for a clean, green and sustainable world www.ciwem.org
CIWEM’s recently published report ‘From microbes to mountains’ can be found at: http://www.ciwem.org/media/499265/ECOSYSTEMS%20REPORT%20FINAL%20MARCH%202012.pdf.
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