How to apply an ecosystem approach

Key actions to apply an ecosystem approach

1. Take account of how nature works. Nature (ecosystems) interconnects across landscapes so we must consider the broad scale as well as the local. Ecosystems do not have an infinite capacity to respond to impacts and still provide benefits. Since they’re dynamic we must allow for change and make use of new information.
2. Take account of the benefits (ecosystem services) that nature provides people. These range from food and water to flood and climate control, recreation and mental well-being.
3. Involve people in decision-making – both those who benefit from nature and those who manage land, freshwater and sea.

The Scottish Government’s push to empower communities to look after local natural heritage assets firmly supports this last action.

Tools for applying an ecosystem approach

You can use existing tools such as marine and development plans, environmental assessment and cost-benefit analyses.

New tools are also being developed to:

• map ecosystem services;
• quantify the value of these ecosystem services to people; and,
• analyse trade-offs between different options for achieving objectives

The Ecosystems Knowledge Network provides a Tool Assessor, a free service that provides summary information about ways that show the value of the natural environment in society.

NatureScot has worked with others to help people include cultural ecosystem services when applying an ecosystem approach. Read our working paper on this topic below.

Read: Cultural ecosystem services – towards a common framework for developing policy and practice in Scotland

We have prepared an overview of tools, examples and guidance to help marine planners apply an ecosystem approach.

Read: An ecosystem approach to marine planning – a summary of selected tools, examples and guidance

Several Scottish ecosystem approach case studies are now available.

Evaluation framework

Our framework enables you to evaluate policies, strategies, plans or projects that seek to apply the ecosystem approach. It is useful whether you wish to assess new work or review current work.

Read: An evaluation framework for applying the ecosystem approach

Other resources

The Scottish Government Land Use Strategy promotes an ecosystem approach to land use. Read more about this in:

• Land use – getting the best from our land: strategy 2021 to 2026
• Applying an ecosystems approach to land use: information note
• Making the most of communities’ natural assets: green infrastructure – An information note for Community Planning Partnerships on applying an ecosystems approach

The latter note shows how development and design plans, and delivery of services, can make better use of land to maximise ecosystem services for communities.

Find out more

Embedding the value of the natural environment in decision-making – overcoming barriers and encouraging enablers