The Ecosystem Services Project

The Ecosystem Services Project is studying a cross section of ecosystem services that underpin key traditional agricultural industries within Australia such as dairy, horticulture, beef, wool, and cropping. As well, ecosystem services that support the growing "quality of life" industries such as recreation, rural sub-division and tourism are being examined. Possible changes to these services under various land management scenarios are being considered in partnership with a range of stakeholders. We are asking what these changes might mean to Australians in economic, social and ecological terms. Coupled with the scenarios biophysical models will be developed to determine the ability of ecosystems to continue to provide services under various land use pressures. Our ultimate aim is for scientists and communities to learn together about how to deliver the right information to policy developers and decision makers to move towards more sustainable land management practices.