title: Ecosystem services classification: A systems ecology perspective of the cascade framework.
abstract: Ecosystem services research faces several challenges stemming from the plurality of interpretations of classifications and terminologies. In this paper we identify two main challenges with current ecosystem services classification systems: i) the inconsistency across concepts, terminology and definitions, and; ii) the mix up of processes and end-state benefits, or flows and assets. Although different ecosystem service definitions and interpretations can be valuable for enriching the research landscape, it is necessary to address the existing ambiguity to improve comparability among ecosystem-service-based approaches. Using the cascade framework as a reference, and Systems Ecology as a theoretical underpinning, we aim to address the ambiguity across typologies. The cascade framework links ecological processes with elements of human well-being following a pattern similar to a production chain. Systems Ecology is a long-established discipline which provides insight into complex relationships between people and the environment. We present a refreshed conceptualization of ecosystem services which can support ecosystem service assessment techniques and measurement. We combine the notions of biomass, information and interaction from system ecology, with the ecosystem services conceptualization to improve definitions and clarify terminology. We argue that ecosystem services should be defined as the interactions (i.e. processes) of the ecosystem that produce a change in human well-being, while ecosystem components or goods, i.e. countable as biomass units, are only proxies in the assessment of such changes. Furthermore, Systems Ecology can support a re-interpretation of the ecosystem services conceptualization and related applied research, where more emphasis is needed on the underpinning complexity of the ecological system.
authors.affiliation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: La Notte
authors.affiliation: University of Helsinki, Department of Forest Sciences, Latokartanonkaari 7, Helsinki, 00014, Finland.
authors.forename: Dalia
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: D'Amato
authors.affiliation: Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Energy Systems, Sustainability Science, Saimaankatu 11, 15140 Lahti, Finland.
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mäkinen
authors.affiliation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Luisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Paracchini
authors.affiliation: European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Directorate D - Sustainable Resources, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: Camino
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liquete
authors.affiliation: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Natural Resources and The Environment, PO Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 27 Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
authors.forename: Benis
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Egoh
authors.affiliation: University of Trento, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, Via Mesiano 77, 38123 Trento, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Geneletti
authors.affiliation: CSIRO Land and Water, Waite Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5064, Australia.
authors.forename: Neville D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Crossman
keywords: Cascade framework; Ecological theory; Ecosystem functioning; Ecosystem service classification; Systems ecology