In recent years, there has been an increasing level of apparent acceptance that the concept of ecosystem services (ES) is the most appropriate to explain and embed the complexities of nature and its relationships with society into global environmental policy. Whilst many have adopted the ES terminology, questions remain as to whether the concept provides the common language it promotes. There are concerns that the ES framework might constrain thought towards the monetization of nature, that the concept is too anthropocentric, or that it resonates with dominant neoliberal ideology. This has led to a growing area of work, aimed at examining stakeholder perceptions and mechanisms of social appreciation of ES.

This session builds on earlier work in the United Kingdom that seems to support the functionality of ES framework. We now seek to examine this through the lens of an international audience. The main objectives of this session are therefore to promote discussion and to assess delegate attitudes towards the ES framework – examining whether it provides the different actors involved in ecosystem management with an effective communication and management tool, or if the very language associated with ES disengages people. This work will contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding the validity of the concept, seeking to generate recommendation to improve its application and, hence, the management of ecosystems in an increasingly human-modified world. In addition to supporting networking and engagement on this topic, the session organizers will seek to produce a perspectives publication to synthesize the lessons learned.