The ecosystem services (ES) framework opens the door to common ground between ecology science and economics in facing the challenge of planetary sustainability. Application of the available methodologies and instruments reveals both the high potential and the controversies related to this new socio-ecological management approach. Feeding on the research, reviews and testimonies presented at the XV International Summer School on Environment (ISSE) of the University of Girona (2015), this proceedings book displays the main concepts related the ES approach and outcomes from case studies dealing with its operationalization. However, the ultimate goal of this crosswalk language remains; changing mentalities and raising awareness to the point of installing new socio-ecological values, leading society to economic models in which ES conservation is understood as subsistence premise and therefore an intrinsic component of profits. El marc de serveis dels ecosistemes ( ES) obre la porta a un terreny comú entre l'ecologia i l'economia de la ciència davant del repte de la sostenibilitat planetària . L'aplicació de les metodologies i instruments disponibles revela tant l'alt potencial i les controvèrsies relacionades amb aquest nou enfocament de la gestió socio- ecològica. L'alimentació en les investigacions, opinions i testimonis presentats a l'Escola XV Internacional d'Estiu sobre el Medi Ambient ( IESS ) de la Universitat de Girona ( 2015 ) , aquest llibre procediment mostra els principals conceptes relacionats amb l'enfocament d'ES i els resultats dels estudis de cas que s'ocupen de la seva posada en funcionament . No obstant això , l'objectiu final d'aquest llenguatge encreuament roman ; canviar les mentalitats i la sensibilització fins al punt de la instal·lació de nous valors socio- ecològica , el que porta la societat als models econòmics en què ÉS la conservació s'entén com a premissa de subsistència i , per tant , un component intrínsec dels guanys. El marco de servicios de los ecosistemas ( ES ) abre la puerta a un terreno común entre la ecología y la economía de la ciencia frente al reto de la sostenibilidad planetaria. La aplicación de las metodologías e instrumentos disponibles revela tanto el alto potencial y las controversias relacionadas con este nuevo enfoque de la gestión socio- ecológica. La alimentación en las investigaciones , opiniones y testimonios presentados en la Escuela XV Internacional de Verano sobre el Medio Ambiente ( IESS ) de la Universidad de Girona ( 2015 ) , este libro procedimiento muestra los principales conceptos relacionados con el enfoque de ES y los resultados de los estudios de caso que se ocupan de su puesta en funcionamiento . Sin embargo , el objetivo final de este lenguaje cruce permanece ; cambiar las mentalidades y la sensibilización hasta el punto de la instalación de nuevos valores socio - ecológica , lo que lleva la sociedad a los modelos económicos en los que ES la conservación se entiende como premisa de subsistencia y , por tanto, un componente intrínseco de las ganancias.

Nature provides us with many services seemingly for free: recharged groundwater, fertile soil and plant biomass created by photosynthesis. We human beings draw extensive benefits from these “ecosystem services,” or ES – food, water supply, recreation and protection from natural hazards. Major international studies, such as the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, have addressed the enormous role of biodiversity and ecosystems to human well-being, and they draw particular attention to the consequences resulting from the reduction or loss of these services. These very topical issues are being addressed by authors/scientists in a wide variety of disciplines – and their approaches, terminologies and methodological specifics are just as diverse. What, for example, does the efficacy of nature or natural capital mean? Which values of nature are particularly important, how are they distributed in space and time and how can they be assessed and the relevant knowledge promoted? Can all ecosystem services be quantified and even monetarised? What should be done to ensure that the multiple services of nature will be available also in future? This book explains the multifaceted concept of ecosystem services, provides a methodological framework for its analysis and assessment, and discusses case examples, particularly from Germany. It is addressed to scientists and practitioners in the administrative, volunteer and professional spheres, especially those who deal with environment, landscape management and nature conservation and regional and land-use planning. The target group includes experts from the business community, politicians and decision makers, students and all those interested in fundamental ecological, economic, ethical and environmental issues.

This edited volume defines and compares central aspects of governance and management related to urban open spaces (UOSs) such as long-term management, combined governance and management and strategic management of UOSs. Perspectives such as ethical considerations, user participation and changes in local governmental structures frame the governance and management of UOSs. Jansson and Randrup create a comprehensive resource detailing global trends from framing and understanding to finally practising UOS governance and management. They conclude by promoting positive changes, such as proactive management and strategic maintenance plans to encourage the creation of more sustainable cities. Illustrated in full colour throughout, this book is an essential read for students and academics of landscape architecture, planning and urban design, as well as those with a particular interest in governance and management of UOSs.

To maintain a healthy ecosystem for contemporary society, and for future generations, policies must be implemented to protect the environment. This can be achieved by consistent evaluation of new initiatives and strategies. Sustainable Development: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a comprehensive source of scholarly information on the latest research for sustainability concerns across a multidisciplinary perspective. Highlighting a broad range of innovative topics such as renewable energy, urban development, and green technologies, this multi-volume book is ideally designed for academics, researchers, professionals, students, and practitioners interested in the preservation of the environment.

This open access book brings together research findings and experiences from science, policy and practice to highlight and debate the importance of nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation in urban areas. Emphasis is given to the potential of nature-based approaches to create multiple-benefits for society. The expert contributions present recommendations for creating synergies between ongoing policy processes, scientific programmes and practical implementation of climate change and nature conservation measures in global urban areas. Except where otherwise noted, this book is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Corporate sustainability needs a rethink. We have entered the human-influenced Anthropocene age, and we are witnessing accelerating changes in earth system processes. Businesses’ current initiatives, such as product innovation and pollution reduction, are not enough to combat the intensifying social-ecological challenges that face us. Corporate Sustainability in the 21st Century is an innovative new textbook which provides a fresh conceptual framework for understanding and engaging with sustainability, now and in the future – "Business In Nature." This book critically discusses key concepts and topics related to corporate sustainability, with a focus on corporate sustainability strategies and corporate value chains. Setting itself apart from existing books, it introduces ideas from global ecology and the natural sciences to provide readers with a new language for discussing business and sustainability. This book maintains an international perspective throughout, with a wealth of examples, case studies and discussion questions. It will be a valuable text for students of corporate sustainability; business, nature and society; and environmental studies, and will also be useful for managers seeking a new perspective on how being "green" can fit with business goals.