Nature and ecosystems
The loss of biodiversity and ecosystems is dramatic. It endangers the natural basis of life and is already restricting our quality of life. Land use changes, climate change and current production and consumption patterns are damaging terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
As an important contribution to a transformative change, we at the IÖW are working on making the values of nature and ecosystems visible so that they are taken into account in political and social decisions to a greater extent than before. Analytical concepts for this include ecosystem services, nature's contributions to people and natural climate protection. Together with interdisciplinary researchers and practice partners, we analyze the effects of using nature, space and resources in urban and rural areas and how these can be governed ecologically and economically sustainable.
Our qualitative and quantitative research approaches include preference-based and cost-based economic valuation methods in the context of cost-benefit analyses (such as choice experiments, hedonic pricing or damage costs), regional economic modeling and life cycle assessments. We often combine economic valuation with participatory and multi-criteria approaches. We also analyze institutional frameworks in order to take greater account of the value of nature in decision-making.
Our research lays the foundation for a sustainable human-nature relationship: we demonstrate the importance of functioning ecosystems and biodiversity as central basis of life and support decision-makers in politics, administration and society with concepts, strategies and recommendations for action.
Ongoing projects
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UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030 Phase II – Implementation
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Biodiversity-promoting climate measures in urban areas
Further development and testing of integrative urban-regional adaptation strategies in a polycentric growth region: Model region Stuttgart ISAP II
Value of Green Urban Spaces III Extension and transfer of the economic valuation of ecosystem services from urban green
Sponge City: Implementing blue-green infrastructures Effective levers for water-sensitive cities and sustainable model solutions for green roofs
Publications on the topic
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Digital Technologies and nature-based Climate Protection in Municipalities Solutions to improve exchange, coordination and management
Statement on the social importance of allotment gardens Statement on the motion of the NRW parliamentary group of the SPD “Long tradition, modern idea – 100 years of allotment garden associations in NRW”
Phone: +49–30–884 594-0
jesko.hirschfeld(at)ioew.de