ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 forms the starting point of the guidance, providing the reader and users with a general introduction to the benefits related to PAs. It presents an overview of the ecosystem services and related goods provided by PAs, highlighting the ecological processes underpinning the benefits. The chapter also outlines some key aspects that need to be taken into consideration when assessing the socio-economic importance of PAs, including the distribution of benefits, costs of PAs and possible opportunities and risks related to the valuation of benefits.
