Abstract
The value of natural capital and ecosystem services is widely acknowledged but the application of the concept to environmental flows is still in its infancy. This chapter argues for the need to adopt the natural capital and ecosystem services concept and to underpin environmental flow assessments. It also highlights the numerous challenges that lie ahead in applying the concept. In particular, the importance of identifying “hot spots” and “hot moments” of ecosystem service delivery in relation to rivers and flow is presented, and the importance of stakeholder engagement and dialogue as part of pro-active water allocation is stressed. The value and associated challenges are highlighted using the example of the Ganges River in India and a number of East African rivers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Water for the Environment |
| Subtitle of host publication | From Policy and Science to Implementation and Management |
| Editors | Avril Horne, Angus Webb, Michael Stewardson, Brian Richter, Mike Acreman |
| Publisher | Academic Press |
| Pages | 151-172 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Edition | 1 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128039458 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780128039076 |
| Publication status | Published - 16 Aug 2017 |