ABSTRACT
Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are the multifaceted and nonmaterial benefits that humans service from nature. This introduction chapter explores definitions of CES, histories of research on CES, and provides an overview of the 34 chapters in the Handbook and the major themes raised. This includes how CES are understood and categorized, how CES are measured and valued, how CES are integrated into policy and management, and what future directions for CES research and practice are. The chapter also discusses why a Handbook on Cultural Ecosystem Services is necessary and timely.
