EIA Pilot Study: Project Background Objectives: test integration of ecosystem services into a corporate EIA application Study context o Pump station construction project in subalpine meadow, Caucasus Region (Eurasia) o Pilot study performed separate from, but in parallel with, EIA

2013 EcoMetrix Solutions Group, LLC Social Equity Economy EcologicalSocial EcologicalEconomic

Receptor Dependency Service Flows Change in Production

Ecosystem Services Framework SERVICES FUNCTIONS LANDSCAPE ATTRIBUTES VALUE Communities and local stakeholders will prioritize natural benefits based on dependence, desire, or other factors. This prioritized value can be measured through either economic or non- economic means. Natural benefits produced on a site can be measured as benefit flows across a landscape. Changing those benefit flows will have social and economic consequences. Nature performs functions which we rely on for survival and quality of life – these benefits are provided by the complex interaction of many functions. Landscape conditions associated with vegetation, water regime, soil, topography etc. determine the extent to which ecological functions are performed (biotic and abiotic) EcoMetrix Solutions Group, LLC

Project Site – Land Cover/Use

Alternatives Considered Design Alternative EcoMetrix Alternative

Breaking Down Silos Sheep and cattle grazingStone chapel built on holy spring Grazing vs. forest vs. wetlands vs. holy spring Holy spring and forest

Lessons Learned  It is important to actually understanding the underlying ecological processes and context before jumping into any valuation exercise.  The valuation approach needs to be driven by the decision being made. o Corollary: Non-economic valuing can be very important within a decision making process.  It is important not to predetermine which services are important (and therefore worth measuring).