94th ESA Annual Meeting (August 2 -- 7, 2009)

SYMP 8-5 - Modeling nature's services at multiple scales

Tuesday, August 4, 2009: 2:45 PM
Blrm B, Albuquerque Convention Center
Peter Kareiva, The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA
Background/Question/Methods

The Natural Capital Project has developed a portfolio of spatially explicit models that translate maps of land cover, land use, soils, and topography into assessments of environmental services under different scenarios. This suite of models is called InVEST, which will be demonstrated at both a general level, as well as via specific case studies. The intent for these models is that they become a foundation for conservation progress throughout the world.

Results/Conclusions

Critical to the success of InVEST is the assumption, currently being tested, that even relatively crude quantification of environmental services will lead to more sustainable land and water use decisions.