The ecosystem services concept: a new Esperanto to facilitate participatory planning processes?

Abstract

Context Several case studies investigated the role of ecosystem services in participatory planning pro- cesses. However, no systematic study exists that cuts across a large number of empirical cases to identify the implications of using ecosystem services in participa- tory planning. Objectives This study explores the potential of the ecosystem services concept to act as a boundary concept (‘‘new Esperanto’’) to facilitate the integration of actors’ perceptions and objectives into planning goals. Methods We analyzed eleven case studies to explore how the ecosystem services concept has been opera- tionalized to support participatory planning processes, and to identify lessons from successful applications. We characterized the case studies according to contextual and methodological criteria. Each case study was assessed through a codified score card method in order to detect success or failure criteria in using the ecosystem services concept in participatory planning. We compared the case study criteria with the results of the balanced score card method.