The importance of scale in the development of ecosystem service indicators

摘要: Abstract Understanding the interactions between ecosystems and their underlying environmental constraints, services which they provide, people benefiting from those services, are essential for effective management sustainability of socio-ecosystems (ecosystems support impacted upon by humans). Ecosystem service (ES) indicators attempt to provide a means measuring provision, but scale at developed is likely impact on how can be used influence socio-ecosystems. This paper compares science practice in development measures contrasting scales in: (a) an active research project, focused local catchment improve water quality Loweswater English Lake District, (b) science-based study developing national using Countryside Survey dataset. The explores different approaches taken towards production ecological measures, inform either single or multiple ES delivery across land/water interface, dependent scale. It considers impacts process gathering data types contribute indicators. further reflects representing may whom. Local scales, this case scale, valuable socio-ecological unit exploring delivery, extent ecosystem actors uncertain. Larger studies confined virtue availability useful policy tools targeting action. concludes that ‘scale’ important consideration when also questions around utility such should consider relevance it relates governance.