Integrating Ecosystem Services into Development Planning: A New Paradigm in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation

Biodiversity is the basis of functioning ecosystems. Its assets provide services and goods that form part of local and regional development. Meanwhile, ecosystem services are flows of value to human societies as a result of the state and quantity of natural capital. The integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services into development planning is a challenging but necessary exercise. There is a need for new partnerships, governance, and an orientation towards green economies. It should be remembered that development is linked to the availability of ecosystem services. On the contrary, development and economic activities can have negative impacts on ecosystems.