We worked on identifying and quantifying key ecosystem services potentially affected by a planned highway section in Central and Eastern Europe (M3 in Hungary) with the involvement of local experts and residents. To achieve the project goals, we worked out a methodology to collect data both through quantitative and qualitative manners. We compiled a background study on data related to local ecosystem services, environmental attributes, socio-economic figures and relevant national, regional as well as international policies. Furthermore, in order to reveal the key ecosystem services for the locals, we delivered stakeholder mapping, deep interviews with key stakeholders and surveys using preference assessments and economic data. Based on the data collection’s results, we provided monetary value to some of the key ecosystem services and validated them with local experts through interactive focus group workshops. Finally, we developed recommendations for the regional and EU policies, which can help to make more adequate decisions for sustainability.
We also presented the outcomes during the TRANSGREEN conference in April in Hungary as well as on the Ecosystem Services Partnership conference in Hannover in October, 2019.
Read more about the project and our contribution to it here.
Read our summary study of the research that includes the key ecosystem services and used methodologies.
