Tools – applications, benefits and linkages for ecosystem science (TABLES)

Over an 18 month period, the Tools: Applications, Benefits and Linkages for Ecosystems (TABLES) project has worked at the interface of research, policy and practice, crossing different disciplines, sectors and professions, to embed the value of nature more effectively into policies, programmes, plans or projects and thus improve decision-making processes and outcomes. Our main focus has been on translating the 12 principles of the Ecosystem Approach into comprehensive advice within which a set of tools can utilise an Ecosystem Services Framework. The interdisciplinary TABLES team, consisting of academics, professionals in practice, community members and policy makers, championed co-production and social learning strategies using member expertise and experience within diverse case studies. These span the environment, business, local community and planning sectors; all of which are trying to mainstream an Ecosystem Approach to some extent. The project addresses the recommendations of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment (UK NEA, 2011a, 1303) to integrate ecosystem services and the wider values of the natural environment within a context of policy and decision-making and tools leading to “a superior basis for future decision-making”.