You are here:
An Overview Of The Ecosystem Services Research Program Decision Support Framework
Citation:
DYSON, B., A. M. VEGA, M. TENBRINK, TIM CANFIELD, AND P. BRADLEY. An Overview Of The Ecosystem Services Research Program Decision Support Framework. Presented at USEPA ORD ESRP 3rd Annual Science Conference, Las Vegas, NV, October 19 - 21, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
To present and discuss an overview of the theoretical construct, scope, and intent of the Ecosystems Services Research Program Decision Support Framework.
Description:
There is an increasing understanding that top-down regulatory and technology driven responses are not sufficient to address current and emerging environmental challenges such as climate change, sustainable communities, and environmental justice. Such problems require ways to deeply understand the problem scientifically, economically, and socially, in order to develop sustainable solutions and foster effective environmental decision-making. A successful framework for decision-making depends on a systems-level analysis that can characterize the system sensitive to the views of all interested parties, and accounts for the uncertainties associated with proposed solutions in a comprehensive manner. The Ecosystem Services Research Program Decision Support Framework (DSF) is a structured decision analysis framework with associated tools for enabling decision-makers to make better informed decisions within an ecosystem services context. The aim of the DSF is to provide decision-makers with an understanding of probable effects of their planned decisions on social, economic and ecological systems; thus promoting more sustainable solutions. Initial DSF efforts focus on developing a support structure for land and resource use decision-makers at the local, state, tribal and regional scales. The DSF fosters integrated trans-disciplinary research, is oriented towards sustainability, and promotes innovative solutions. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT ROGER B. YEARDLEY, JR., LAND REMEDIATION AND POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION, 513-569-7548.