The ecosystem services (ES) concept emerged as a metaphor to demonstrate humanity’s dependence on the natural environment and is increasingly applied to frame human-nature relationships in conservation science, policy and practice. The aim of this paper is to enhance understanding of how the ES concept is applied for ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation in the Irish context, with further applicability to international contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in research, policy and practice to understand and reflect a variety of perspectives. Three contexts of ecosystem management in Ireland are examined as focal points for the ES framing: natural capital and ES research; agri-environment schemes as types of Payments for ES; and collaborative forms of governance for peatland conservation. Specifically, the influence of language and power dynamics on the values, knowledge, and outcomes of conservation science and practice is explored. Integrating multiple values into ES valuations and assessments to inform decision making remains challenging and raises questions of power which are often neglected due to their hidden and indirect effects. Fostering transparency and reflection on values, language and power dynamics helps make visible the cultural and social structures that underlie the ES framing and encourages the development of ES approaches that are effective inclusive, and actionable.
Language and power dynamics: Shaping knowledge and action in the application of ecosystem services approaches
Year: 2022
