Building Capacities Among AP-PLAT Partners in the ‘Science of Pricing Ecosystem Services’ for Enabling Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Sustainable Future – Supported by Asia Pacific Network (APN)

Partners

SAFE & PFRI

Project description

This project aimed to enhance the regional preparedness in the Asia-Pacific for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) by building capacity in pricing ecosystem services (ESs). Recognizing that undervaluing ESs has led to resource exploitation and poor decision-making, the initiative seeks to equip stakeholders with scientific, economic, and socio-political skills for context-sensitive ES valuation. In collaboration with AP-PLAT, launched at the 2019 G20 Ministerial Meeting, this project supported the climate-informed decision-making and adaptation. It uses machine learning to reduce uncertainties, enabling precise modeling and prediction of ES values. The open-source data-sharing approach will empower local and regional stakeholders, fostering equitable, sustainable development aligned with climate goals.

Objectives

1. Assess economic benefits, societal impacts, and risks of monetizing ecosystem services in the context of climate change.
2. Gain expertise in advanced scientific and economic methods for defining, valuing, and pricing ecosystem services in Asia, using machine learning and hands-on field training.
3. Create and validate a framework for integrating ecosystem services pricing into Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) policies, influencing government practices and regional platforms through community-driven participatory action research (PAR).

Expected Outcomes

1. Enhanced capacity in valuing ecosystem services.
2. Expertise in pricing ecosystem services
3. Stakeholders will shift towards a circular conservation model