TEEB Manual for Cities

The TEEB Manual for Cities: Ecosystem Services in Urban ManagementStep 2Identify the most relevant ecosystem services thatcan help to solve the problem or policy issueHaving identified a challenge that maybe solved through a consideration ofecosystem services, it is necessaryto identify and prioritize whichecosystem services are most relevant,i.e. those ecosystem services whichthe policy issues or problem dependsupon, or that support it. This includesecosystem services which areaffected, or impacted, by the problemor policy issue, since their futuresustainability will depend upon theirability to assist in dealing with thechallenges.To begin with, consider the fouroverarching questions along withcolleagues and other stakeholders(TEEB 2010b):● Which ecosystem services arecentral to the local/regional societyand economy?● Which stakeholders are mostdependent on these ecosystemservices?● Which ecosystem services areat risk?● How do the problems and policiesaffect them?The list of questions provided in Table4, pertaining to each of the ecosystemservices, will further help to stimulate abasic analysis of what is important in thecity and in particular, in relation to thespecific problem or policy issue. Consultwith the relevant stakeholders, sincetheir involvement at an early stage willbe more likely to ensure the maintenanceof their support throughout the process.Consider the potential for the provisionof each ecosystem service in the city,even if that ecosystem service does notcurrently play a significant role.City of EdmontonCity of Cape TownMonika Hachtel/ City of BonnMany species are sensitive to pollution, and are therefore useful as indicator species. This measure of environmental quality can itself be considered an ecosystem service.Property values are often increased by proximity to natural or semi-natural areas, and ecological restoration may in fact lead to an increase in adjacent property prices.15