The notion of Ecosystem Services (ES: (Daily 1997; Carpenter 2003; Kremen and Ostfeld 2005) provides a cohesive scientific view of the many mechanisms through which nature contributes to human well-being. Focusing on both the biophysical mechanisms of ES provision and the economic implications of ES use can allow our societies to balance the sides of the “nature vs. the economy” equation, leading to better management and governance (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2002). Unfortunately, the quantitative understanding to support quantification, spatial mapping and economic valuation of ES has lagged behind the popularity of the notion, making it difficult to productively use ES.
