Learning objectives: 

• Know different concepts of ecosystem services classification, but especially the one of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
• Be able to categorise ecosystem services into provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services 
• Understand the underlying ecological cycles (water, nutrient and carbon cycles) behind regulating and supporting services
• Know special characteristics of ecosystem services to be taken into account for their identification and assessment
• Obtain an overview on available data sources and assessment tools
• Understand how to delineate agro-ecological landscape units and to select ecosystem services for assessment

Contents:

• Ecosystem services: The theory behind it
  • Classification of ecosystem services
  • Ecosystem services enhanced by sustainable land management practices
• Understanding regulating and supporting services: water, nutrients and soil organic cycles
• Special characteristics of ecosystem services
• Identification and assessment of ecosystem services
• Priorities matter – selecting ecosystem services for assessment

Estimated duration of the lecture: 

30-40 minutes

Estimated time for studies:

2-6 hours, depending on the level of previous knowledge and interests