Mapping, Modelling and Managing Ecosystems Services in New Zealand

Central and local government agencies in New Zealand are calling for a paradigm shift in natural resource management. A unified approach is required to deliver a wide range of services and outcomes in a sustainable manner. Our new, 4-year research project aims to provide the scientific basis for such an approach. We are taking a threephase approach. First, we will characterize, classify and quantitatively map past and current state of a comprehensive suite of ecosystem services nationally. We will use a tiered approach that reflects the level of knowledge available about various services. Second, we will explore how future changes in land use and land-use management, including consideration of multiple land use, alter the “basket” of services delivered. Third, we will develop a framework for integrating an ecosystem services approach into natural resources planning, policy, and reporting to ensure delivery of multiple benefits and outcomes. We are using the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework as a starting point for our work and will adapt and expand it to suit the conditions and needs in New Zealand.