SEQ Ecosystem Services Project
Background
1/
What are Ecosystem Services?
‘Ecosystem services’ is the term given to the goods and services provided by natural (and semi-natural)
ecosystems that benefit, sustain and support the well-being of people. They include the production of food
and medicines, the regulation of climate and disease, provision of productive soils and clean water, and
landscape opportunities for recreation and spiritual benefits.
Ecosystem services are derived from the complex interactions between the components and processes that
occur within an ecosystem (ecosystem functions). It is the diversity of the components (i.e. biodiversity)
and interactive processes within and between all ecosystems that produce the extensive range of essential
services required for humans to survive. In short, ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from
ecosystems.
2/
Significance of Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services are to a large extent unrecognised and therefore are not adequately valued in
industrial economies. Globally, studies have shown the monetary value of ecosystem services is of the
same order as Gross World Product and that ecosystem services provide fundamentally important inputs
to the economy (Costanza et al 1997). The areas that provide ecosystem services in South East
Queensland (SEQ) can be considered as vital ‘green infrastructure’ for the region. If the services are lost,
their replacements, if possible, can be prohibitively expensive. A healthy economy is not sustainable in
the absence of these services, many of which are free and shared widely by the community.
Research conducted by the United Nations, World Bank and the World Resource Institute has
demonstrated that human well-being is also inextricably linked to the provision of ecosystem services
(MA 2005; UN 2006a; World Bank 2004 and WRI 2007). Failing to understand or adequately value the
significance of these services to the SEQ community (and its economy), can result in serious adverse
impacts on the sustainability and liveability of the SEQ region. The maintenance of ecosystem services in
SEQ is vital for the sustainable development of the region and the well-being of residents.
3/
Description of Project
An investigation into the concept of ecosystem services and its application in natural resource
management and decision making in SEQ is currently being undertaken. The Project is coordinated by
SEQ Catchments (a non-government, not for profit organisation) in collaboration with Queensland
Government agencies and organisations. The focus of this project is to identify, measure, value and
incorporate ecosystem services into decision making and natural resource management in SEQ. The
primary aim is to encourage a consistent approach to assessing the ecosystem services of SEQ by
developing an agreed framework for ecosystem services across the region; namely the SEQ Ecosystem
Services Framework.
The SEQ Framework aims to provide the tools to enable government, industry, business, researchers,
non-government organisations and land managers to apply the concept of ecosystem services in their
management and planning practices. An assessment of the ecosystem services in SEQ will enable
decision makers to manage ecosystems to maintain or enhance the current level of ecosystem services
and, where relevant, to calculate losses in services resulting from development activities and suggest
appropriate actions to ameliorate such losses.
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Project Coordination and Participants
The SEQ Ecosystem Services Project is a collaborative project between SEQ Catchments (SEQC),
University of Sunshine Coast (USC) and the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP). The
Project has received financial support from the Federal Government (through NHT funding), Queensland
Government agencies (DIP & Department of Environment and Resource Management DERM)) and
Brisbane City Council (BCC). Technical support has been received from USC and Brisbane Regional
Environment Council (BREC). A Steering Group, hosted by SEQC, has coordinated the development of
the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework. Numerous other agencies, individuals and experts have also
contributed to the Project by participating in meetings, workshops and expert panels.
Policy and Management Context
1/ Planning Documents
The significance of ecosystem services to the sustainable development of SEQ was recognised in two
important planning documents for the region. The SEQ Ecosystem Services Project evolved in response
to Management Action Targets identified in the Natural Resource Management Plan for SEQ 2005 and
Desired Regional Outcomes under the SEQ Regional Plan 2005 – 2026:
Management Action Target: CES 1 – Ecosystem Services: Prepare a report that identifies the
ecosystem services provided by SEQ natural assets and a framework for incorporating these values
in the implementation of NRM (NRMSEQ 2005, p. 228).

Desired Regional Outcome 5: Rural Futures, Policy 5.2.3: Maintain the capacity of the region’s
environmental resources to supply ecosystem services (Queensland Government 2006, p. 48).

As from July 2009 ecosystem services was incorporated in the new NRM Plan 2009 – 2031 as a Guiding
Principle and also a policy in the SEQ Regional Plan 2009 – 2031:

Guiding Principle 2: Natural resources supply a range of goods and services. These goods and
services are known as ecosystem services and the planning and management of these services is
essential for the region’s long term economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability
and community well being (Department of Natural Resources and Water 2009, p. 9).

Desired Regional Outcome 4: Natural Resources, Policy 4.3 - Ecosystem Services; Principle –
Maintain the capacity of the region’s ecosystems to supply ecosystem services; Policies 4.3.1 –
Protect areas supplying high levels of ecosystem services from development impacts; Programs
4.3.2 – Use the common SEQ ecosystem services framework to identify and measure ecosystem
services; 4.3.3 – support landholders to maintain and improve the provision of ecosystem services
(Queensland Government 2009, p. 63).
2/ Application of the Framework
The concept of ecosystem services can potentially be applied in a number of policy, planning and
management contexts throughout the region; for example, education, incentives, payment for the
provision of services, statutory or strategic planning and regulation. The specific policy, planning or
management context as well as the spatial and temporal scale of application will determine how and to
what level of detail ecosystem services need to be considered.
There is general consensus that the focus of assessments within this Project must be practical and that the
Framework should be capable of flexible application by different organisations/agencies in different
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contexts and on different geographic scales. The current management context for ecosystem services in
SEQ includes:
 Regional Planning – incorporation of the Framework into the SEQ Regional Plan
 Identifying priority locations for environmental offset provision
 Prioritising funding to maintain or improve provision of services and natural resource
management (SEQ Catchments)
 Incorporation of the mapping into Local Government planning
 Incorporation of the Framework into Local Government Community Plans
 Assessing, monitoring and reporting on the current and (where possible) historic and potential
future provision of ecosystem services (State of Region Reporting)
 Helping to determine NRM resource condition targets and providing a guiding principle in the
SEQ NRM Plan
Progress to Date
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The Framework
The Framework developed for SEQ is broadly compatible with the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
(MA) conducted globally by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The Framework consists
of similar Reporting Categories (or broad groups of ecosystems) and similar ecosystem service categories
and definitions. The approach to developing the SEQ Framework has been to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
identify the ecosystems of SEQ under the MA’s reporting categories
map the ecosystems in SEQ
identify and describe the ecosystem functions occurring in these ecosystems.
determine the link between ecosystems and their functions
relate ecosystem functions to data and then map ecosystem functions
identify and describe the ecosystem services provided by these functions
determine the link between ecosystem functions and the services they provide
identify the linkages between ecosystem services and constituents of well-being that they
support
Work currently being conducted includes finalising ecosystem services maps; identifying where and by
whom ecosystem service benefits are received; and identifying which ecosystem services are most
important to the SEQ community.
Biodiversity is recognised within the MA (2005) and the SEQ Framework as underpinning the totality of
all ecosystem services upon which life depends. The SEQ Framework and the maps developed for the
Framework do not replace conservation mapping such as the Biodiversity Planning Assessments, but
provide a more comprehensive perspective that covers broader landscape values and processes.
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Components of the Framework
The SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework has four main components for assessment: ecosystems,
ecosystem functions, ecosystem services and human well-being.
Ecosystems
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Ecosystem
Functions
Ecosystem
Services
Human
Well-being
2/15/2016
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2.1
Ecosystems
Ecosystems can be defined as “a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and
their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit” (UN 2006b). The MA (2005) based their
ecosystem services assessment on ten categories of ecosystems, described as “Reporting Categories”,
namely: marine, coastal, inland water, forests, dryland, islands, mountain, polar, cultivated and urban. To
be consistent in its approach, the SEQ Framework has adopted the MA’s (2005) Reporting Categories,
excluding the category ‘polar’ due to the absence of polar areas in SEQ.
The Regional Ecosystems of SEQ have been grouped together to form Ecosystem Reporting Categories
(ERCs), under the MA’s Report Categories. Each ERC, regardless of size, location and condition, has
similar factors such as; “climatic conditions, geophysical condition, dominant use by humans, surface
cover, species composition and resource management systems and institutions” (MA 2005, p. 53). Thirty
two (32) ERCs have been defined and assessed under the Framework. The list of Reporting Categories
and ERCs is shown in Appendix 1, Table 1.1.
2.1
Ecosystem Functions
Ecosystem functions are defined for the purpose of the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework as the
biological, geochemical and physical processes and components that take place or occur within an
ecosystem (ecological processes). They are recognised as having both intrinsic value (i.e. necessary for
efficiently functioning ecosystems) and anthropocentric values (providing benefits to humans). For
example, the ecosystem function ‘pollination’ is critical to the reproduction of most wild plants and the
production of food for consumption by humans.
Nineteen (19) ecosystem functions have been incorporated in the Framework. These functions have been
grouped into four categories: Regulating, Provisioning, Supporting and Cultural Functions. The list of
functions and their descriptions have been adapted from De Groot et al 2002 and Beitz pers comm. 2005.
The list of ecosystem functions incorporated in the Framework is presented in Appendix 1, Table 1.1. The
list of ecosystem functions under each Function Category and their descriptions is presented in Appendix
2, Table 2.1.
2.3
Ecosystem Services
The definition of ecosystem services in the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework has been adopted from
the MA (2005, p. 53): ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Ecosystem
services are recognised as anthropocentric by nature. Following on from the example of pollination
above, one of the benefits humans receive from the function ‘pollination’ is the ‘pollination’ of
agricultural and horticultural crops for human consumption. Twenty eight (28) ecosystem services have
been incorporated in the Framework.
In the MA (2005) four categories of service are recognised: Regulating, Provisioning, Cultural and
Supporting. However, technical experts involved in developing the SEQ Framework considered that
Supporting Services should be distinguished from the other three categories in the MA (2005) as they
underlie all other ecosystem services rather than directly providing benefits to humans. These supporting
services have therefore been consumed into the Supporting Functions category. Accordingly, for the SEQ
Framework, it was decided to define three rather than four categories of ecosystem services: Regulating;
Provisioning; and Cultural Services. The list of ecosystem services incorporated in the Framework is
presented in Appendix 1, Table 1.1. The full list of ecosystem services and their descriptions under each
of the three broad categories adopted in the SEQ Framework is presented in Appendix 3, Table 3.1.
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2.4
Human Well-being
The ecosystem services provided by the SEQ Region are inextricably linked to the well-being of the SEQ
community. The constituents of well-being experienced by individuals and the community will vary on
spatial and temporal scales. The links between ecosystem services and human well-being are therefore
complex, diverse and context-dependent. Exploring these links involves identifying who the beneficiaries
are of these services; the kinds of benefits they receive from ecosystem services; the mechanisms or
processes through which benefits are delivered and received; and the relative importance of the various
services and constituents of well-being to the SEQ community.
The MA (2005) based their list of constituents on the Voices of the Poor (Narayan et al. 1999; Narayan et
al. 2000). They identify 5 categories or constituents of well-being received from ecosystem services:
‘Security; Basic materials for a viable livelihood; Freedom and choice; Good health; and Good socialcultural relations’ (2005, p. 74). Experts working on the SEQ Project felt the list of constituents and
linkages between ecosystem services identified in the MA (2005) were not necessarily representative of
such a developed region as SEQ. Results of research conducted by Max-Neef, Maslow, Costanza and the
MA (2005) have been applied to develop a list of constituents of well-being for the SEQ region. The list
of Constituents of well-being incorporated in the Framework is presented in Appendix 1, Table 1.1. The
full list of constituents of well-being and their descriptions are presented in Appendix 4, Table 4.1.
Information derived from these investigations will assist in determining the values of ecosystem services
in the policy and planning context for SEQ.
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Maps
An important aspect of the Project has been defining and mapping ecosystems and ecosystem functions
for the region. From relevant GIS layers, two series of maps have so far been developed and incorporated
in the general Framework. The first series of maps identifies where particular ecosystems are located
across the SEQ region, while the second series identifies the spatial distribution of different ecosystem
functions. The combination of these two data sets provides a spatial representation of which ecosystems
are providing which ecosystem functions, and where particular suites of ecosystem services are being
derived from in SEQ. Ecosystem service maps have recently been developed. These maps are currently
being interpreted and are under peer review. Quantification and mapping of ecosystem services will
provide key information identifying:
a) areas that provide a high level of service requiring protection or management to maintain their
ecosystem service provision.
b) areas that provide specific ecosystem functions or services.
c) changes in ecosystem service provision over time.
The spatial representation of ecosystem services provides enormous benefits for planning, policy and
technical application in SEQ. Among other things, such maps will assist decision-makers to identify
losses and benefits of further development and areas where offsets or other actions might apply. The maps
are an essential component of the application of the Framework in SEQ.
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Data Matrices and Scores
Expert Panels have been used to identify the links between the components of the Framework. These
links were given an ordinal score between 0 and 5 and incorporated into a series of matrices. The first
matrix rates the relative magnitude each ERC performs an ecosystem function (32 x 19 matrix). The
second matrix rates the relative magnitude each ecosystem function provides an ecosystem service (19 x
28 matrix). Tables 1 and 2 below provide an example of each matrix.
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Reporting
Category
ERC /
Function
(1) Gas
regulation
Marine
Deep Ocean
Pelagic
Benthic
Coral Reefs
Seagrass
5
5
5
4
3
Coastal
(2)
Climate
regulation
5
3
2
3
4
(3)
Disturbance
regulation
0
0
2
3
2
(4) Water
regulation
0
1
0
0
0
Table 1: Example of matrix 1 showing the relative magnitude each ERC performs each ecosystem
function.
(1) Food
(2) Water for
Consumption
(3) Building
and Fibre
(4) Fuel
(5) Genetic
Resources
(1) Gas regulation
2
2
2
2
2
(2) Climate regulation
5
5
5
5
5
(3) Disturbance regulation
4
4
1
1
1
(4) Water regulation
4
5
3
3
2
(5) Soil retention
4
4
3
3
3
Function / Service
Table 2: Example of matrix 2 showing the relative magnitude each ecosystem function provides an
ecosystem service.
Multiplication of the two basic matrices together provides a third matrix that represents the overall
‘physical’ magnitude of the ecosystem services that each ERC provides, as well as a score representing
the total service provision by each ERC. All scores in this matrix have been standardised to a score out of
100. An example of the third matrix is presented in Table 3 below.
Ecosystem
Reporting
Categories /
Services
(1) Food
(2) Water for
Consumption
(3) Building
and Fibre
(4) Fuel
(5) Genetic
Resources
(6) Biochemicals,
medicines and
pharmaceuticals
Deep Ocean
1.17
0.89
0.63
0.53
0.67
0.76
Pelagic
1.30
0.90
0.71
0.57
0.80
0.88
Benthic
1.25
0.89
0.71
0.56
0.77
0.92
Coral Reefs
1.36
1.01
0.80
0.66
0.89
1.10
Seagrass
1.41
1.05
0.87
0.70
0.93
1.10
Table 3: Example of matrix 3 showing the physical magnitude of the ecosystem services each ERC
provides.
Figure 1 below provides a simplified example of the complexity of interactions between a rainforest ERC
and the benefits to human well-being (as determined by participants at Expert Panels). Only some of the
links allocated a score of 5 by the Expert Panels have been included in this diagram. These types of
diagrams can be constructed for all the ERCs assessed in the SEQ Framework.
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2. Climate
Regulation
Rainforest
Ecosystems
Ecosystem
Category
10. Habitable
Climate
18. Maintain
Valued
Species
5. Soil
Retention
12. Arable
Land
11. Supporting
Habitats
13. Buffering
against
extremes
Ecosystem
Function
Ecosystem
Service
Health and
Habitation
Materials
Freedom of Choice and Action
6. Nutrient
Regulation
11. Water
Quality
Social
Relations
Security
Constituents
of Well-being
Figure 1: A simplified model of the link between rainforest ecosystems and human-well-being as
identified by the Expert Panels.
Delivery of Results
1/
Participatory Process
At the outset of the project, it was agreed that to develop the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework multidisciplinary inputs would be required and information should be sourced from a diverse range of
expertise. The SEQ Ecosystem Services Project has seen participation by over one hundred and forty
(140) participants to date. Participation in the Project can be grouped into three roles: Steering Group,
Ecosystem Services Working Group and Expert Panel Workshops.
1.1
Steering Group
The Steering Group consists of potential key ‘users’ of the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework
including policy-makers and technical experts from SEQC, DIP, DERM, BCC, Gold Coast City Council
(GCCC), BREC, CSIRO, Griffith University (GU) and USC. The primary role of the Steering Group is to
coordinate the technical input for the assessment of ecosystem services and to ensure the outcomes of the
Project comply with current planning and policy requirements and are practical and in accordance with
current organisational structures and goals. Meetings are primarily timed and designed to allow Steering
Group participants to analyse the outputs from the Ecosystem Services Working Group as they are
produced.
1.2
Ecosystem Services Working Group
Each step in the development of the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework has been handled in a
professionally facilitated ‘Think Tank’ exercise, comprising an open forum of SEQ stakeholders (known
as the Ecosystem Services Working Group). The Think Tank approach encourages a wider range of
perspectives on the theoretical and practical application of the ecosystem services concept. It also
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provides an opportunity to scope the possible alignment of the Framework with other organisational/
agency plans, policies and practices. The aim of this multidisciplinary working group is to develop and
ground truth each step of the process as it evolves.
1.3
Expert Panel Workshops
Expert knowledge was recognised as an essential input to the Project to address areas of limited data
availability; provide detailed local knowledge and to ensure maximum acceptance of the final products in
the Framework. Expert Panels have been used to develop definitions and descriptions of the components
of the Framework and to build on the spatial data sets (maps of ecosystems and ecosystem functions) by
identifying the links between the components of the Framework. The Expert Panel Workshops are seen
as only one step in an ongoing process of data acquisition, modelling and assessment.
2/
Activities Undertaken
Table 4 below provides a simplified timetable of the major workshops conducted under the SEQ
Ecosystem Services Project.
Workshop
Date
No.
attending
Think Tank
1
4th May
2006
22
Experts in the field of
ecosystem services.
Think Tank
2
17th
October
2006
26
Open forum - Experts in
the field of ecosystem
services.
Think Tank
3
29th
March
2007
19
Experts in the field of
ecosystem services and
technical officers from
various agencies.
To bring stakeholders up to date on the
development of the SEQ ES Framework
and identify a possible process for
identifying the link between ecosystem
services and human well-being.
Participants
Objectives
To identify a possible strategy and
process for developing the SEQ
Ecosystem Services Framework.
To bring stakeholders up to date on the
development of the SEQ ES Framework
and to ground truth the list of ERCs and
ecosystem maps.
To bring stakeholders up to date on the
development of the SEQ ES Framework
and to ground truth and develop the
ecosystem function maps.
Think Tank
4
28 May
2008
65
Open forum – mostly high
level stakeholders i.e.
managers and directors
from regional bodies,
local state and federal
government, agricultural
organisations etc.
Expert
Panel 1
15th June
2007
62
Peer referred biophysical
and social experts.
Determine scores for the links between
the components of the Framework.
Expert
Panel 2
29th
November
2007
32
Peer referred biophysical
and social scientists.
Determine scores for the links between
the components of the Framework.
Expert
Panel
Analysis
Workshops
16th & 24th
January
2008
12
Peer referred biophysical
and social scientists.
Analyse the results of EP1 and EP2.
th
Table 4: Timetable of major activities undertaken in the SEQ Ecosystem Services Project.
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3/
Data Compilation
The development of the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework is an iterative process of data collection,
analysis and review. Data compilation within the Project is conducted by SEQC, BREC, DIP and USC
before being reviewed by the Steering Group and Working Group participants.
Conceptually, the key components of the Framework so far developed, as well as the tasks yet to be
carried out, are shown in Figure 2 below. Components below the dotted horizontal and vertical lines are
yet to be completed in the development of the Framework.
Geographic Location
Mapping Procedures
ERCs
Biophysical Working Group
Ecosystem Functions
Ecosystem Services
Benefits Working Group
--------------------------------Ecosystem Service
Benefits
(Constituents of Well-being)
Sub-regional
Community
Workshops
Value or Relative Importance
of Benefits
Figure 2: Key components and inter-connections of the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework.
Next Steps
Work currently being conducted includes analysing the ecosystem services maps; identifying where
and by whom ecosystem service benefits are received; using historical data to identify changes in
ecosystem service provision; identifying direct relationships between ecosystem services and constituents
of human wellbeing; and applying the framework to specific case studies in SEQ.
1/
Development of the Maps
SEQ Catchments is currently working with local governments to tailor make ecosystem function maps
specifically to their local government planning area. This involves substituting the currently applied
regional data sets with local scale data sets where applicable. Combining these maps with the results from
community workshops (see Assessing the Benefits below) the regional scale ecosystem services
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framework is being converted into specifically tailored local scale frameworks (providing information for
local governments to meet obligations under regional planning schemes).
Draft ecosystem service maps have been developed by compiling ERC modified function maps. This
involves applying the modifications from the first matrix developed by the Expert Panels. Formulae have
been developed for blending the functions into services, based on the second matrix from the Expert
Panels.
Draft maps are currently being analysed for technical soundness and potential applicability. Expert
committees will review and analyse the maps. Determining priorities for tract reconnection and assessing
potential offset values of regrowth vegetation based on ecosystem service provision, will be test examples
for potential applicability.
2/
Assessing the Benefits
An important next step in the process is to explore techniques and processes aimed at assessing the values
or relative importance of benefits derived from ecosystem services, focusing on the relationships between
ecosystem services and constituents of well-being in SEQ. This involves identifying the various
categories of beneficiaries of ecosystem services, where they are located, time scales over which benefits
may be received and ways in which the various beneficiaries derive the benefits. Many of the benefits
from ecosystems are generated directly for individuals and the community – for example, the health
benefits of clean air and water. Other benefits may be indirect, as occurs when ecosystem services act as
inputs to production activities, such as agriculture, forestry and tourism.
Eleven (11) sub-regional community workshops are proposed in each of the local/city councils areas.
Local community members will be invited to attend the workshops and assist in assessing the benefits
obtained from ecosystems in their local areas. The first of these workshops was held in May 2009 in
collaboration with the Redland City Council. Other workshops are currently being scheduled with other
local councils. An twelfth (12) workshop is also proposed with the Traditional Owners of the SEQ region.
Techniques such as benefit-cost analysis, scoring systems or multi-criteria analysis may be applied to
determine relative values. This will complete the framework and allow identification of the links from
ERC to wellbeing.
3/
SEQ Regional Plan
The SEQ Regional Plan 2009 - 2031 (Queensland Government 2009) is the statutory plan for SEQ to
manage population growth in a way that maintains quality of life. The SEQ Regional Plan is reviewed
every 5 years. The Regional Landscape Open Space Advisory Committee (RLOSAC), who provide
specialised advice to the Regional Planning Minister, has endorsed the interim approach taken by the
Project. Included in this endorsement is the list of ecosystem functions, ecosystem function maps and list
of ecosystem services. The SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework has recently been incorporated into the
SEQ Regional Plan 2009 – 2031 (see Planning and Management Context above).
4/
Environmental Offsets
A state policy on environmental offsets is currently being developed for Queensland. The current offsets
framework is limited to the existing offsets policies for remnant vegetation, koala habitat and marine fish
habitat. However, there is potential for the ecosystem services framework to be used in the future to
develop metrics to ensure that the broader range of benefits provided by an area to be developed are offset
by provision of the same benefits in other locations. There is also potential for the Framework to be used
to identify strategic offset sites that are capable of delivering a range of ecosystem services.
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The mapping of ecosystems, functions and services being undertaken for the Project will help to identify
geographic areas with highly valued ecosystem service benefits. Such areas may warrant special
protection and carefully designed management regimes. The maps will also be able to identify low-valued
areas where it may be more preferable for development to take place.
Where supplies of ecosystem services in any particular area are predicted to be reduced as a consequence
of development or other human activity, the total value of ecosystem service benefits – at the regional or
local scale - may be maintained or even increased if offsetting actions are taken to reproduce, preserve or
enhance them elsewhere. Offsets may take the form of establishing legally guaranteed conservation status
for alternative sites or areas; direct investments or management actions designed to reproduce or enhance
ecosystem attributes, functions and services; financial contributions to environmental management trusts
or funds; and environmental service payments to private landowners to maintain ecosystem services on
their properties.
5/
State of the Region
The State of the Region Report for SEQ aims to assess the progress of the region towards achieving
sustainability and to provide input into the review of the SEQ Regional Plan. The maintenance of
ecosystem services is an important indicator of the sustainability of the region. The first State of Region
Report in 2008 included an assessment of the current provision of ecosystem services (based on the
ecosystem function maps using 2006 data) as well as some assessment of the past level of provision based
on historical data (based on the ecosystem function maps using 1991 data). Tracking the provision of
ecosystem services over time is an important aspect of managing ecosystem service provision to ensure
continued wellbeing.
6/
Natural Resource Management
The SEQ region is endowed with unique natural resources that support its liveability, ecological
sustainability and economic prosperity. The South East Queensland Natural Resource Management Plan
(SEQ NRM Plan 2009 - 2031) will provide a framework to guide the necessary action, policy and
planning and research needed to ensure regional natural resources are maintained and enhanced to
continue to provide ecosystem services. By using ecosystem services as a guiding principle, the SEQ
NRM Plan will identify actions to ensure natural resources continue to provide the ecosystem services
required to achieve the desired regional outcomes in the SEQ Regional Plan.
The SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework (in particular the mapping products) will provide a decision
support tool for planning and investment in natural resource management. The Framework will also
provide a language that the wider community including politicians and policy makers may more readily
understand when it comes to natural resource management. This may promote an increased awareness
and commitment to protecting and investing in the maintenance and enhancement of the ecosystems and
the functions they perform in the delivery of ecosystem services to the wider SEQ community.
7/
Ecosystem Services Database
Currently being developed is a database of the current knowledge on ecosystem services as identified
through the regional assessment and development of the Framework. The aim of this database is to
provide the tools (a User’s Manual) for government agencies, business, researchers, non government
organisations and land managers to incorporate the concept of ecosystem services into their decision
making. More than 30 individual’s from a range of government and non-government agencies have
contributed to the development of this database. There are current discussions on the type of format for
this information – Excel database or website. The information database (in whichever format) is due for
release before end of 2009.
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8/
Case Study Portfolio
A small portfolio of case studies showing how the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework is being applied
is also currently under development. Two significant case studies will be the Redland City Council
Community Plan and the Brisbane City Council Water Resources Strategy.
Conclusion
The SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework and the maps produced from the process have attracted close
attention from agencies and organisations in SEQ, State and Federal Governments and international
agencies. The general reaction indicates that the maps will be used extensively for spatial development
planning, including case study applications by local governments. More generally, other regions in
Queensland have also expressed interest in applying the Framework.
The SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework recently won the Planning Institute of Australia (Queensland
Division) Award for Excellence in Environmental Planning, Rural and Conservation and was also
nominated for the national award. Also, on the national scale, a presentation to a Roundtable on
Ecosystem Services held in March 2008 by Australia 21 (a non-government organization supported by
State Government agencies and research institutions -http://www.australia21.org.au/), has led to the
suggestion that the approach be incorporated for key regions within a National Strategy for Ecosystem
Services for Australia.
A recent invitation by Rudolf de Groot to present the Framework at the World Conservation Congress
(hosted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Barcelona 2008) provided an
important opportunity for peer review. The Framework was widely accepted by participants at the
Congress and has led to many important international connections. In December 2009 an invitation and
sponsorship was provided by the US Geological Survey to present the Framework at A Conference on
Ecosystem Services (hosted by the US Geological Survey, US Environmental Protection Agency and
other US Federal Government agencies, Florida). Further sponsorship to attend the event was also
provided by SEQ Catchments, USC, Land and Water Australia and Australia 21.
For further information:
 Simone Maynard (Ecosystem Services Project Manager, SEQC); smaynard@seqcatchments.com.au
or 0403 940 055.
 Andrew Davidson (Regional Planning Manager, SEQC); adavidson@seqcatchments.com.au or (07)
3503 1413.
S. Maynard – SEQ Catchments
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References
Beitz, I., 2005, pers comm.
Costanza, R., d'Arge, R., de Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., Limburg, K., Naeem, S.,
O’Neill, R., Paruelo, J., Raskin, R., Sutton, P. and van den Belt, M. 1997, The Value of the World's
Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital, Nature, Vol 387, pp. 253-260.
De Groot, R., Wilson, M. and Boumans, R. 2002, A Typology for the Classification, Description and
Valuation of Ecosystem Functions, Goods and Services, Ecological Economics, Vol. 41, pp. 393 – 408
Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Draft SEQ Regional Plan 2009 - 2031, Queensland
Government, p. 63.
Department of Natural Resources and Water 2009, Draft SEQ NRM Plan 2009 – 2031, Queensland
Government, p. 9
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment: Ecosystems and Human
Well-being; A framework for Assessment, World Resources Institute, Washington DC p. 53, 74.
NRMSEQ 2005, Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan for SEQ: Future in the balance, p. 228.
Office of Urban Management 2005, SEQ Regional Plan 2005 - 2026, Queensland Government, p. 48.
United Nations 2006a, Convention on Biological Diversity; An Ecosystem Approach (online), Available:
http://www.cbd.int/ecosystem/default.shtml, accessed 13 July 2007.
United Nations 2006b, Convention on Biological Diversity; Article 2 (online), Available:
http://www.cbd.int/convention/articles.shtml?a=cbd-02, accessed 13 July 2007.
World Bank 2004, What is an Ecosystem Worth; assessing the economic value of conservation?,
Washington DC.
World Resources Institute 2007, Restoring Nature’s Capital; An Action Agenda to Sustainable Ecosystem
Services, World Resources Institute, Washington, DC.
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Appendix 1
Table 1.1: Ecosystem reporting categories, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services in the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework.
Ecosystem Reporting Category
Ecosystem Function
Ecosystem Service
Deep Ocean
Open Water - Pelagic
Open Water - Benthic
Coral Reefs
Seagrass
Rocky Shores
Beaches
Dunes
Coastal Zone Wetlands
Palustrine Wetlands
Lacustrine Wetlands
Riverine Wetlands
Rainforests
Schlerophyll Forests
Native Plantations
Exotic Plantations
Regrowth
Native and Improved Grasslands
Shrublands/ Woodlands
Moreton Island
Bribie Island
North Stradbroke Island
South Stradbroke and other Bay
Islands
Montane
Sugar Cane
Horticulture - small crops
Horticulture - tree crops
Other Irrigated Crops
Dams
Hard Surfaces
Parks and Gardens
Residential Gardens
1. Gas Regulation
2. Climate Regulation
3. Disturbance Regulation
4. Water Regulation
5. Soil Retention
6. Nutrient Regulation
7. Waste Treatment and Assimilation
8. Pollination
9. Biological Control
10. Barrier Effect of Vegetation
11. Supporting Habitats
12. Soil Formation
13. Food
14. Raw Materials
15. Water Supply
16. Genetic Resources
17. Provision of Shade and Shelter
18. Pharmacological Resources
19. Landscape Opportunity
1. Food
2. Water for Consumption
3. Building and Fibre
4. Fuel
5. Genetic Resources
6. Biochemicals, medicines and pharmaceuticals
7. Ornamental Resources
8. Transport Infrastructure
9. Air Quality
10. Habitable Climate
11. Water Quality
12. Arable Land
13. Buffering Against Extremes
14. Pollination
15. Reduce Pests and Diseases
16. Productive Soils
17. Noise Abatement
18. Iconic Species
19. Cultural Diversity
20. Spiritual and Religious Values
21. Knowledge Systems
22. Inspiration
S. Maynard – SEQ Catchments
Constituents of
Well-being
Breathing
Water
Nutrition
Shelter
Mental health
Physical Health
Secure and Continuous Supply of Services
Secure Access to Services
Security of Person
Security of Health
Security of Property
Family Cohesion
Community and Social Cohesion
Social and Economic Freedom
Self - Actualisation
23. Aesthetic Values
24. Affect on Social Interactions
25. Sense of Place
26. Iconic Landscapes
27. Recreational Opportunities
28. Therapeutic Landscapes
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Appendix 2
Table 2.1: The list of ecosystem functions incorporated into the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework.
Ecosystem
Function
Categories
Regulating
Functions
Maintenance of essential
ecological processes and
life support systems.
Supporting
Functions
Providing habitat (suitable
living space) for wild plant
and animal species at local
and regional scales.
Provisioning
Functions
Provision of natural
resources.
Ecosystem
Function
Description - ecosystem processes and components
(Ecological Complexity)
(1) Gas regulation
Relates to the influence of natural and managed systems in relation to biogeochemical processes
including greenhouse gases, photo-chemical smog and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
(2) Climate regulation
Influence of land cover and biological mediated processes that regulate atmospheric processes and
weather patterns which in turn create the microclimate in which different plants and animals (incl.
humans) live and function.
(3) Disturbance
regulation
The capacity of the soil, regolith and vegetation to buffer the effects of wind, water and waves through
water and energy storage capacity and surface resistance. The soil profile stores water and reduces runoff.
Vegetation enhances infiltration and provides surface resistance. Degraded soils and landscapes have a
reduced capacity. Soil properties (e.g. depth, surface texture) and vegetation structure are important.
(4) Water regulation
The influence of land cover, topography, soils, hydrological conditions in the spatial and temporal
distribution of water through atmosphere, soils, aquifers, rivers, lakes and wetlands
(5) Soil retention
Minimising soil loss through having adequate vegetation cover, root biomass and soil biota.
(6) Nutrient regulation
The role of ecosystems in the transport, storage and recycling of nutrients.
(7) Waste treatment and
assimilation
The extent to which ecosystems are able to transport, store and recycle certain excesses of organic and
inorganic wastes through distribution, assimilation, transport and chemical recomposition.
(8) Pollination
Pollination is critical to the reproduction of most wild plants and the production of food for consumption
by animals and humans. Pollination is the interaction between plants and (1) biotic vectors e.g. insects,
birds and mammals and (2) abiotic vectors e.g. wind and water in the movement of male gametes for
plant production. Pollination and seed dispersal are linked.
(9) Biological control
The interactions within biotic communities that act as restraining forces to control population of potential
pests and disease vectors. This function consists of natural and biological control mechanisms.
(10) Barrier effect of
vegetation
Vegetation impedes the movement of airborne substances such as dust and aerosols (including
agricultural chemicals and industrial and transport emissions), enhances air mixing and mitigates noise.
(11) Supporting habitats
Preservation of natural and semi natural ecosystems as suitable living space for wild biotic communities
and individual species. Natural ecosystems are a storehouse of genetic information generated through
evolutionary process. This function also includes the provision of suitable breeding, reproduction,
nursery and refugee and corridors (connectivity) for species that are harvested or otherwise valued.
(12) Soil Formation
Soil formation is the facilitation of soil formation processes. Soil formation processes include the
chemical weathering of rocks and the transportation and accumulation of inorganic and organic matter.
(13) Food
Biomass that sustains living organisms. Material that can be converted to provide energy and nutrition.
Mostly initially derived from photosynthesis.
(14) Raw materials
Biomass that is used for any purpose other than food (excluding mining resources).
(15) Water supply
The role of ecosystems in providing water through sediment trapping, infiltration, dissolution,
precipitation and diffusion.
(16) Genetic resources
Self maintaining diversity of organisms developed over evolutionary time (capable of continuing to
change). Measurable at species, molecular and sub molecular levels. These processes are increasingly
paralleled by human intervention.
(17) Provision of shade
and shelter
Relates to vegetation that ameliorates extremes in weather and climate at a local landscape scale. Shade
or shelter is important for plants, animals and structures.
(18) Pharmacological
resources
Natural materials that are or can be used by organisms to maintain restore or improve health. (Natural
patterns can be copied by humans for synthetic products).
(19) Landscape
opportunity
The inspiration and motivation, traditional owner and other cultural, historical and aesthetic values; health
enhancement; sense of place; amenity; recreational, scientific and educational opportunity, provided by
the extent and variety of natural features and landscapes.
Cultural
Functions
Providing life fulfilment
opportunities and
cognitive development
through exposure to life
processes and natural
systems.
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Appendix 3
Table 3.1: The list of ecosystem services incorporated into the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework.
Ecosystem Service
Categories
Ecosystem Services/Outputs
Ecosystem Services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems
Natural assets such as air, land, water and biodiversity are vital to the delivery of ecosystem services. Biodiversity contributes to the functional redundancy of
ecosystems in providing ecosystem services. Individual species or guilds can also play key roles in maintaining specific services. A precautionary approach is
appropriate as our knowledge of the interconnections between biodiversity and services are limited. This approach will also protect other unknown services derived
from species in the future.
(1) Food
- The range of food products derived from plants, animals and microbes; including recreational and commercial gathering of wild
species, crops, fisheries and livestock.
(2) Water for consumption
- Provision of water for consumptive use.
- Retention and storage of water.
- Water is used for a variety of purposes - aquaculture, production, humans, stock, irrigation, cooling etc.
(3) Building and fibre
- Renewable biotic resources (e.g. timber).Fibres
Provisioning Services
Products obtained from
ecosystems
(4) Fuel
- Wood, gas and other biological materials serve as sources of energy.
(5) Genetic resources for cultivated products
- Maintenance of the genetic vitality of productive cultivars; includes the genes and genetic information used for microbe, plant
and animal breeding and biotechnology (e.g. cross breeding, new cultivars).
- Future options.
(6) Biochemicals, medicines and pharmaceuticals
- Biological materials used for medicines, biocides and food additives. This includes test and essay organisms, medical tools,
drugs and specimens for students).
(7) Ornamental resources
- Animal products such as skins, shells and flowers used as ornaments (e.g. ornamental plants, souvenirs).
- Handicraft/fashion/cultural/religious ceremonies.
- Other leisure activities – collecting.
(8) Transport infrastructure
e.g. navigation on rivers, lakes etc.
(9) Air quality
- Extraction of chemicals and dust from the atmosphere.
- Maintenance of good quality air.
(10) Habitable climate
- Maintenance of a favourable climate at local and global scales – temperature, precipitation, greenhouse gases.
o Human habitation.
o Cultivation.
(11) Water quality
- Water purification.
- Pollution control/detoxification/waste assimilation.
Regulating Services
Benefits obtained from regulation
of ecosystem processes
(12) Arable land
- The area and extent of arable land.
(13) Buffering against extremes
- Provision of safety to human life, structures and other assets.
- Maintenance of normal situations – buffering against extremes (droughts/floods/storms/tsunamis).
- Maintenance of natural irrigation and drainage (watertable regulation).
(14) Pollination
- Pollination of plant species.
- Pollination of agricultural and horticultural crops.
(15) Reduce pests/diseases
- Reduction of pests and diseases, vectors and pathogens.
- Reduction of crop damage by herbivory (insects).
(16) Productive soils
- Maintenance of natural productive soils
(17) Noise abatement
- Noise pollution abatement
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(18) Iconic species
- Emblematic or charismatic species e.g. whales, dugongs, deer, koalas, platypus, echidnas, wattles, bunya pine, bottle trees,
macadamia, cattle.
(19) Cultural diversity
- The diversity of landscapes is one factor that influences the range of shared and accepted values and practices common to those
particular landscape e.g. rural and urban values and practices.
(20) Spiritual and religious values
- Many ecosystems and/or their components are of special significance to groups of people.
(21) Knowledge systems
- The variety of ecosystems affects the variety of knowledge systems and the resources necessary for their generation,
transmission, maintenance, adaptation and use e.g. resources for education, social learning and understanding.
Cultural Services
Nonmaterial benefits obtained
from ecosystems
(22) Inspiration
- Ecosystems provide a rich source of inspiration for art, folklore, national symbols, architecture and personal or group motivation.
(23) Aesthetic values
- Various aspects of the ecosystems provide the opportunity for aesthetic enjoyment e.g. beauty of landscape, smell of the bush,
sound of the surf, feel of the) sand between the toes.
(24) Affect on social interactions
- Ecosystems influence the types and qualities of social relationships and interactions found in a particular place.
(25) Sense of place
- Shared places provide opportunities for people to develop a sense of belonging, commitment, identity and community e.g. iconic
landscapes.
(26) Iconic landscapes
- Ecosystems provide historically or culturally significant landscapes which form part of the heritage of the area.
(27) Recreational opportunities
- Ecosystems can provide a spectrum of leisure opportunities e.g. tourism, outdoor pursuits, sports, hunting, fishing, and
opportunistic gathering of wild herbs, honey, fruits and mushrooms and leisure activities.
(28) Therapeutic landscapes
- Ecosystems provide for the restoration, maintenance, development of emotional, mental and physical health and well-being.
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Appendix 4
Table 4.1: The list of constituents of well-being incorporated into the SEQ Ecosystem Services Framework.
Constituents of Well-being
Category
Existence
basic materials
for life - access
to water, soil,
biota and air
Health
capacity to
cope with
change
Constituent
Breathing
Humans require air to breathe.
Drinking
Humans require sufficient water to survive.
Nutrition
Humans require sufficient nutritious food to survive.
Shelter
Humans require shelter from the elements such as wind, rain, cyclones, the sun and fire.
Physical Health
Mental Health
Secure and Continuous
Supply of Services
Security of Person
Security
coping with
constant
change at
variable rates
Security of Health
Secure Access to Services
Security of Property
Good Social
Relations
achievement of
collective
benefits at
acceptable
costs
Freedom of
Choice and
Action
ability to
choose who,
where, what,
when and why
Description
Family Cohesion
Community and Social
Cohesion
Physical health is required to manage morbidity and live a fuller life. Humans require clean
and safe air and water, as well as the provision of food to maintain their physical health and
prevent disease. Sanitation is an important element of physical health. Physical activity and
energy and shelter for comfortable temperature control are also necessary to maintain
physical health.
Mental health is related to possessing a 'sense of self' within a social context. It includes
spiritual well-being and retaining a sense of vitality, feeling well and happy.
The capacity of a system to continue to provide the ecosystem services necessary for an
acceptable level of human well-being now and into the future - includes quantity, quality and
sustainability. This relates to the resilience of an ecosystem to ecological and
anthropocentric shocks or stresses such as drought, floods, pests, nutrient loads,
harvesting etc.
Humans need to feel free from bodily harm. The provision of a safe environment - protected
from natural disasters and from social conflict.
Freedom from disease, hunger and from psychological disturbances. The capacity for
humans to cope (mentally and physically) with impacts resulting from changes in the
provision of ecosystem services (includes prevention as well as cure).
Securing access to ecosystem services is required for consumptive purposes, food
production, development, employment and sanitation. Proximity of service to the
individual/community and how easily the service can be physically accessed and
transported.
The provision of a safe environment to support man-made structures and other assets property protection from natural disasters and social conflicts e.g. safe harbours to moor
boats; protection of property from land slides, storms, winds, waves; protection of
livelihoods (e.g. farming, plantations) from drought and floods.
Family cohesion refers to the relationships and operational links between individuals who
recognise each other as part of the same family unit. The 'avoidance of tensions and
conflicts over a declining resource base, opportunities to observe and learn from nature, the
ability to express cultural and spiritual values' and the ability to participate in nature based
activities is important to family cohesion.2
Community and social cohesion refers to the relationships and operational links between
groups, cultures and communities. It is related to feelings such as having a sense of
community, belonging to a larger group, altruism, friendship and mutual respect. The
'avoidance of tensions and conflicts over a declining resource base, opportunities to
observe and learn from nature, the ability to express cultural and spiritual values' and the
ability to participate in nature based activities is important to community and social
cohesion.2
Social and Economic
Freedom
The ability of society and the individual to meet their desires and to achieve comfort
physically and psychologically. This extends beyond purely 'existing' to being able to meet
one's desires.
Self - Actualisation
According to Maslow, self-actualisation is the quest to become the best you can be. It
involves deciding what you want from life and then doing what is necessary to get what you
want. Self actualisation is an ongoing process that both requires and improves personal
creativity, innovation and identity (which in turn is often expressed in artistic, technological
and scientific creativity, innovation and identity for a community, business or organisation).
It requires a sense of self, self esteem and meaning and purpose of life. Self-actualisation
empowers an individual to freely make choices and partake in actions that can strongly
influence decisions regarding ecosystem services and wellbeing.
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