Ecosystems and Human Well-Being

"The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA)" is the most extensive study of the linkages between the world's ecosystems and human well-being. It is one of the most important conservation initiatives ever undertaken, and the ecosystem services paradigm on which it is based provides the standard for practice. This manual supplies the specific tools that practitioners of the paradigm need in order to extend their work into the future. The manual is a stand-alone 'how to' guide to conducting assessments of the impacts on humans of ecosystem changes. It builds on the experiences and lessons learned from the MA global and sub global assessment initiatives, with chapters written by well-known participants in those initiatives. It also includes insights gained from service-focused assessment activities since the completion of the MA in 2005.