Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in Spain

MITECO

This initiative aims to develop in Spain the conceptual and methodological framework of the United Nations Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Programme.

The objective was to generate scientific knowledge applicable in the public and private spheres, on the consequences of the alterations that are being generated in Spanish ecosystems, due to the impact of current policies with territorial impact on human well-being, as well as to present possible response options.

The first results and conclusions of the project have been summarised in a report entitled “Ecosystems and Biodiversity of Spain for Human Well-being”. This publication provides scientifically validated information that highlights the close links that exist between the conservation of Spanish ecosystems and the quality of life of the population. The aim is to encourage a paradigm shift from the “balance between conservation and development” to “Conservation for Human Well-being”.

The project has assessed the status and trends of the services of 14 operational types of ecosystems in the state territory and 22 services have been analysed, including supply services (food, water, raw materials, gene pool, etc.), regulatory services (water, climate, air quality, erosion control, etc.) and cultural services (cultural identity, local ecological knowledge, nature tourism or environmental education).

In a next stage, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment project of Spain will try to define the future scenarios of the ecosystems studied in relation to their capacity to provide services and based on the existing social consensus around concrete proposals for action for their management. In addition, the project will delve into the development of informative materials aimed at raising society’s knowledge in relation to the links between biodiversity and our model of well-being.

To consult the final report of the project click here.