Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Policy Responses
Findings of the Responses Working Group
With the knowledge of possible outcomes, what kind of actions should we take? The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment scored 74 response options for dealing with declines in ecosystem services and biodiversity, and managing drivers such as climate change and nutrient loading. This third volume in the MA series analyzes the track record of past policies and the potential of new ones.
The challenge of reversing the degradation of ecosystems while meeting increasing demands for their services can be met only with significant policy and institutional changes. However, a difficult set of obstacles stand in the way. Policy makers must keep in mind that there are both trade-offs and synergies between human well-being, ecosystems, and ecosystem services, and that decisions regarding these tradeoffs are difficult and often contentious. The Responses volume ultimately establishes which policy options have the greatest chance to overcome the obstacles and generate positive outcomes. It will serve as an invaluable guide to the creation of stronger policy frameworks for the future.
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Reader’s Guide
Summary: Response Options and Strategies
Part I: Framework for
Evaluating Responses
Chapter 1. MA Conceptual Framework
Chapter 2. Typology of Responses
Chapter 3. Assessing Responses
Chapter 4. Recognizing Uncertainties in Evaluating Responses
Part II: Assessment of
Past and Current Responses
Chapter 5. Biodiversity
Chapter 6. Food and Ecosystems
Chapter 7. Freshwater Ecosystem Services
Chapter 8. Wood, Fuelwood, and Non-wood Forest Products
Chapter 9. Nutrient Management
Chapter 10. Waste Management, Processing, and Detoxification
Chapter 11. Flood and Storm Control
Chapter 12. Ecosystems and Vector-borne Disease Control
Chapter 13. Climate Change
Chapter 14. Cultural Services
Part III: Synthesis and
Lessons Learned
Chapter 15. Integrated Responses
Chapter 16. Consequences and Options for Human Health
Chapter 17. Consequences of Responses on Human Well-being and Poverty
Reduction
Chapter 18. Choosing Responses
Chapter 19. Implications for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals
Appendix A. Color Maps and Figures
Appendix B. Authors
Appendix C. Abbreviations and Acronyms
Appendix D. Glossary
Index
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