ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a broad range of connected issues, including ethics, valuation and how service production is affected by the use and modification of ecosystems. It addresses the significant role of the UN-led millennium ecosystem assessment in promoting wider awareness and acceptance of the concept of ecosystem services, particularly in international agreements and deliberations, and translation into management discourse. The book discusses the development of a range of successor ecosystem services classifications, highlighting their key features, including some strengths and weaknesses particularly in connection with the valuation of services. It also addresses valuation methods both in theory and with practical examples, including, for instance, addressing emerging market-based approaches such as payments for ecosystem services (PES). The book concludes by discussing the role of ecosystem services within the wider pursuit of sustainable development.
