Values at the Land-Sea Interface: Mapping Ecosystem Services in the Coastal Environment

Abstract

While climate impacts are increasing (e.g., rising seas, increasing storm damage) so too is the desire to protect natural systems and capitalize on their protective benefits and other services. Linking ecosystem services science through mapping efforts can help students learn methods for including the value of nature in climate adaptation decisions. This hands-on lab activity was developed to introduce students to the theory and application of ecosystem service valuation and mapping at the land-sea interface. By working with case study data from British Columbia, students learn to apply ecosystem service concepts and easy-to-use, opensource software to answer engaging questions within a real-world policy and planning context.