Landscape Value Chains Based on Ecosystem Services

Abstract

Sustainable landscape management increasingly requires approaches that integrate ecological integrity, economic viability, and social inclusion. Ecosystem services provide a framework for understanding how natural systems support human well-being and economic activities, while value chain analysis examines the flow of goods, services, and information from production to consumption. Integrating ecosystem services into value chain analysis at the landscape scale enables a comprehensive understanding of ecological contributions to economic value and the distribution of benefits and trade-offs among stakeholders. The Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) Program promotes such integrated approaches by supporting markets and business models that advance sustainable land-use systems. Within this context, ecosystem service valuation is not only a technical exercise but also a strategic tool to inform policy, guide investment, and enhance stakeholder engagement. ICARDA and ESAM organized a webinar entitled “Landscape Value Chains Based on Ecosystem Services” to strengthen the capacity of MSc students, engineering students, and early-career natural resource professionals. The webinar introduced conceptual frameworks, analytical tools, and applied examples of ecosystem-based value chain analysis. This report summarizes the key sessions, discussions, and outcomes, highlighting pathways toward resilient and inclusive landscape management.