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Gretchen Daily,
Stacie Wolny,
Jess Silver,
Roy Remme,
Sarah Cafasso,
Anne Guerry,
and
Lori Avila
People depend on nature to sustain and fulfill human life, yet the values of nature are typically ignored in decisions. Mapping and modeling ecosystem services can help highlight the diverse benefits provided to people by nature (what and where) and explore how those benefits might change under different management options--thus bringing information about nature’s values into decisions in practical ways. With these approaches, we can improve the state of biodiversity and human well-being by motivating greater and more cost-effective investments in both.
Read more
People depend on nature to sustain and fulfill human life, yet the values of nature are typically ignored in decisions. Mapping and modeling ecosystem services can help highlight the diverse benefits provided to people by nature (what and where) and explore how those benefits might change under different management options--thus bringing information about nature’s values into decisions in practical ways. With these approaches, we can improve the state of biodiversity and human well-being by motivating greater and more cost-effective investments in both.
Read more
People depend on nature to sustain and fulfill human life, yet the values of nature are typically ignored in decisions. Mapping and modeling ecosystem services can help highlight the diverse benefits provided to people by nature (what and where) and explore how those benefits might change under different management options--thus bringing information about nature’s values into decisions in practical ways. With these approaches, we can improve the state of biodiversity and human well-being by motivating greater and more cost-effective investments in both.
This course introduces the Natural Capital Project’s (NatCap’s) approach to using ecosystem service information to inform decisions. It uses specific examples to illustrate how the approach has worked in each case and highlights key methods and tools used in implementation.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/1vtw68/introduction
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Covers essential concepts and methods for mapping and modeling ecosystem services
Instructors include experts in the field of ecosystem services research at the Natural Capital Project
Offers practical examples and case studies to demonstrate the application of the approach
Suitable for individuals involved in land use planning, environmental decision-making, and conservation science
Emphasizes the importance of incorporating natural capital into decision-making for improved biodiversity conservation and human well-being
May require prior knowledge of ecology and environmental science concepts for full comprehension
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to the Natural Capital Project Approach with these
activities:
Organize your course notes and materials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention of course content by organizing and reviewing your materials regularly.
Show steps
-
Review your lecture notes, readings, and other course materials.
-
Highlight and summarize key points.
-
Create a system for organizing your materials, such as a binder, notebook, or digital folders.
Review the concepts of ecosystem services
Show steps
Reviewing these concepts beforehand will provide context and make course learning easier
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
-
Review your notes from a previous course in ecology or environmental science
-
Read a textbook chapter or two on ecosystem services
-
Watch a video or documentary about ecosystem services
Review 'Essentials of Environmental Science' by Cunningham and Cunningham
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of core environmental science concepts covered in the course materials.
Show steps
-
Read a chapter and take notes on the main concepts.
-
Create a diagram or concept map to visualize the relationships between the concepts.
-
Write a summary of the chapter in your own words.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Complete online tutorials on ecosystem modeling
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of ecosystem modeling techniques and their application in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
-
Find a set of online tutorials on ecosystem modeling.
-
Follow the tutorials, step-by-step.
-
Complete the exercises and quizzes associated with the tutorials.
Solve ecosystem service assessment problems
Show steps
Solidify your problem-solving skills and apply course concepts to practical scenarios.
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
-
Find a set of practice problems on ecosystem service assessment.
-
Work through the problems, step-by-step.
-
Check your answers and learn from any mistakes.
Develop a presentation on a specific ecosystem service
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of ecosystem services and develop effective communication skills.
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
-
Choose an ecosystem service to focus on.
-
Research the ecosystem service and gather information.
-
Create a presentation that explains the ecosystem service, its importance, and how it can be managed.
-
Practice presenting your presentation.
Collect local ecosystem data
Show steps
Build practical data analysis and interpretation skills directly applicable to course content.
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
-
Identify an ecosystem near you.
-
Develop a plan for collecting data on the ecosystem's services.
-
Collect the data using appropriate methods.
-
Analyze the data and draw conclusions about the ecosystem's services.
Attend a workshop on natural capital accounting
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and delve deeper into the practical aspects of natural capital accounting.
Browse courses on
Natural Capital
Show steps
-
Find a workshop on natural capital accounting that fits your schedule.
-
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
-
Participate actively in the exercises and discussions.
Write a report on the value of nature
Show steps
Strengthen your writing skills and develop a nuanced understanding of the economic and societal value of nature.
Browse courses on
Natural Capital
Show steps
-
Research the economic and societal benefits of nature.
-
Identify specific examples of how nature provides these benefits.
-
Write a report that presents your findings and discusses the implications for decision-making.
Organize your course notes and materials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention of course content by organizing and reviewing your materials regularly.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your lecture notes, readings, and other course materials.
- Highlight and summarize key points.
- Create a system for organizing your materials, such as a binder, notebook, or digital folders.
Review the concepts of ecosystem services
Show steps
Reviewing these concepts beforehand will provide context and make course learning easier
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from a previous course in ecology or environmental science
- Read a textbook chapter or two on ecosystem services
- Watch a video or documentary about ecosystem services
Review 'Essentials of Environmental Science' by Cunningham and Cunningham
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of core environmental science concepts covered in the course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a chapter and take notes on the main concepts.
- Create a diagram or concept map to visualize the relationships between the concepts.
- Write a summary of the chapter in your own words.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Complete online tutorials on ecosystem modeling
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of ecosystem modeling techniques and their application in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a set of online tutorials on ecosystem modeling.
- Follow the tutorials, step-by-step.
- Complete the exercises and quizzes associated with the tutorials.
Solve ecosystem service assessment problems
Show steps
Solidify your problem-solving skills and apply course concepts to practical scenarios.
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a set of practice problems on ecosystem service assessment.
- Work through the problems, step-by-step.
- Check your answers and learn from any mistakes.
Develop a presentation on a specific ecosystem service
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of ecosystem services and develop effective communication skills.
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an ecosystem service to focus on.
- Research the ecosystem service and gather information.
- Create a presentation that explains the ecosystem service, its importance, and how it can be managed.
- Practice presenting your presentation.
Collect local ecosystem data
Show steps
Build practical data analysis and interpretation skills directly applicable to course content.
Browse courses on
Ecosystem Services
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an ecosystem near you.
- Develop a plan for collecting data on the ecosystem's services.
- Collect the data using appropriate methods.
- Analyze the data and draw conclusions about the ecosystem's services.
Attend a workshop on natural capital accounting
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and delve deeper into the practical aspects of natural capital accounting.
Browse courses on
Natural Capital
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a workshop on natural capital accounting that fits your schedule.
- Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
- Participate actively in the exercises and discussions.
Write a report on the value of nature
Show steps
Strengthen your writing skills and develop a nuanced understanding of the economic and societal value of nature.
Browse courses on
Natural Capital
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the economic and societal benefits of nature.
- Identify specific examples of how nature provides these benefits.
- Write a report that presents your findings and discusses the implications for decision-making.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to the Natural Capital Project Approach will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Ecosystem Service Specialist
Ecosystem Service Specialist
Ecosystem Service Specialists contribute to the valuation, protection, and management of natural resources. They use scientific principles to understand how ecosystems provide benefits to people and the importance of conserving those ecosystems.
Environmental Economist
Environmental Economist
An Environmental Economist assists with the valuation of natural resources and ecosystems. They apply economic principles to issues that affect the environment. The Natural Capital Project's ecosystem service analysis has many economic applications, and this course can help build a foundation for mapping and modeling the economic value of nature.
Natural Resource Manager
Natural Resource Manager
Natural Resource Managers develop and implement plans for the conservation and use of natural resources, forests, and wildlife. Incorporating ecosystem service analysis can help managers better understand how decisions may impact communities.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts develop and evaluate environmental policies. They use their understanding of environmental issues to inform policy decisions and ensure that policies protect ecosystems and their benefits to people.
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analysts advise companies and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact. They use data and analysis to help create plans for sustainable development. The course will help build a foundation for quantifying the benefits of nature through ecosystem services.
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study the causes and impacts of climate change and develop strategies to mitigate and adapt to its effects. Understanding ecosystem services can help analysts identify and value the role of nature in climate change.
Water Resources Manager
Water Resources Manager
Water Resources Managers oversee the planning, development, and management of water resources. Incorporating ecosystem service analysis helps understand the value of water-related ecosystems and ensure their protection.
Restoration Ecologist
Restoration Ecologist
Restoration Ecologists restore degraded ecosystems to their natural state. They use scientific principles to understand how ecosystems function and how to restore them to a healthy state. This course may be useful for understanding the benefits and challenges of ecosystem restoration.
Land Use Planner
Land Use Planner
Land Use Planners develop plans for the use of land, including zoning and land use regulations. Understanding ecosystem services can help planners make decisions that protect and enhance natural resources.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators develop and implement educational programs on environmental issues. They use this knowledge to teach others about the benefits of nature and the importance of protecting ecosystems.
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planners use their understanding of the environment to develop plans for land use, conservation, and natural resource management. Understanding the value of ecosystem services can ensure that plans adequately protect and value ecosystems.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants use their knowledge of environmental issues and regulations to advise businesses and organizations on how to comply with regulations and reduce their environmental impacts. This course may be useful for demonstrating expertise in ecosystem service valuation.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologists study the biology and behavior of wildlife populations. They use their knowledge to develop strategies for managing and conserving wildlife populations. This course may be useful for understanding the role of ecosystem services in supporting wildlife populations.
Conservation Biologist
Conservation Biologist
Conservation Biologists focus on protecting and managing ecosystems and species. They use scientific principles to identify threats to ecosystems and develop strategies to protect them. This course may be useful for understanding how ecosystem services can be used to support conservation efforts.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialists use GIS software to create maps and analyze spatial data. They use this information in a variety of fields, including environmental management, planning, and conservation. This course may be useful for geospatial modeling and visualization.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1vtw68/introduction
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to the Natural Capital Project Approach.
A foundational text in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of the economic valuation of ecosystem services.
Provides a clear and concise overview of the concept of natural capital, and why it is important to value and protect nature. It valuable resource for readers interested in learning more about the importance of nature to human well-being.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of ecological economics, which integrates ecological and economic principles to address environmental issues. It valuable resource for readers interested in learning more about the relationship between the economy and the environment.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of environmental economics and policy, with a focus on the application of economic principles to environmental issues. It valuable resource for readers interested in learning more about the economic analysis of environmental issues.
Save
Provides a visionary overview of how to create a more sustainable and prosperous economy by adopting principles of natural capitalism. It valuable resource for readers interested in learning more about the economic benefits of environmental protection.
This report provides an overview of the findings of the TEEB initiative to date.
This primer provides a basic overview of the concept of natural capital.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of sustainable development economics, with a focus on the application of economic principles to sustainability issues. It valuable resource for readers interested in learning more about the economic analysis of sustainability issues.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of the circular economy, and why it is important to transition to a more sustainable economy. It valuable resource for readers interested in learning more about the economic benefits of environmental protection.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/1vtw68/introduction
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Effort
8 to 10 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Stanford University
Instructors
Gretchen Daily
Stacie Wolny
Jess Silver
Roy Remme
Sarah Cafasso
Anne Guerry
Lori Avila
Good to know
Covers essential concepts and methods for mapping and modeling ecosystem services
Instructors include experts in the field of ecosystem services research at the Natural Capital Project
Offers practical examples and case studies to demonstrate the application of the approach
Suitable for individuals involved in land use planning, environmental decision-making, and conservation science
Emphasizes the importance of incorporating natural capital into decision-making for improved biodiversity conservation and human well-being
May require prior knowledge of ecology and environmental science concepts for full comprehension
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