InVEST

InVEST, or Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs, is an open-source software tool used to map and value the benefits of nature to people ("ecosystem services"). Developed by the Natural Capital Project, InVEST allows users to quantify, map, and value ecosystem services, such as water supply protection, climate regulation, food provision, and recreational opportunities. With the help of InVEST, analysts can compare scenarios and identify trade-offs between different land use and management options, helping them make informed decisions about land use planning and conservation.

Understanding Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are the benefits that people get from nature. These services include things like clean air, clean water, food, and shelter. When these services are lost or degraded, it can have a negative impact on human well-being.

InVEST can be used to quantify the value of ecosystem services in a variety of ways. For example, InVEST can be used to estimate the amount of money that a forest provides in terms of carbon sequestration, water filtration, and recreation. This information can be used to make decisions about land use planning and conservation.

The Benefits of Using InVEST

InVEST is a powerful tool that can be used to make informed decisions about land use planning and conservation. Here are some of the benefits of using InVEST:

• Quantifies the value of ecosystem services: InVEST can be used to estimate the economic value of ecosystem services, such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, and recreation. This information can be used to make decisions about land use planning and conservation.
• Compares scenarios: InVEST can be used to compare different land use and management scenarios. This information can be used to identify trade-offs between different options and make informed decisions about land use planning.
• Identifies conservation priorities: InVEST can be used to identify areas of land that are important for the provision of ecosystem services. This information can be used to prioritize conservation efforts.
• Engages stakeholders: InVEST can be used to engage stakeholders in the land use planning process. By visualizing the benefits of ecosystem services, InVEST can help stakeholders understand the importance of these services and make informed decisions about land use.

Who Uses InVEST?

InVEST is used by a variety of stakeholders, including:

• Land use planners
• Conservationists
• Policymakers
• Researchers
• Educators

InVEST is a valuable tool for anyone who is interested in making informed decisions about land use planning and conservation.

How to Learn InVEST

There are a number of ways to learn InVEST. Here are a few options:

• Online courses: There are a number of online courses that can teach you how to use InVEST. These courses can be found on platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and edX.
• Workshops: There are also a number of workshops that can teach you how to use InVEST. These workshops are often offered by universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• Self-study: You can also learn how to use InVEST on your own. The Natural Capital Project provides a number of resources that can help you get started.

Careers in InVEST

There are a number of different careers that involve using InVEST. Here are a few examples:

• Land use planner
• Conservationist
• Policymaker
• Researcher
• Educator

If you are interested in making a career out of using InVEST, there are a number of resources that can help you get started. The Natural Capital Project provides a number of career resources on their website.

Conclusion

InVEST is a powerful tool that can be used to make informed decisions about land use planning and conservation. If you are interested in using InVEST, there are a number of resources that can help you get started. With the help of InVEST, you can make a difference in the world and help to create a more sustainable future.