Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method

Wetlands differ in their ability to provide ecosystem services, and thus there is a need to assess ecosystem service delivery in order to prioritize protection and restoration efforts. We used a Delphi-based expert-panel method to validate an ecosystem services assessment technique in a context wher...

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Autores principales:	D. Walters, D.C. Kotze, A. Rebelo, L. Pretorius, N. Job, J.V. Lagesse, E. Riddell, C. Cowden
Formato:	article
Lenguaje:	EN
Publicado:	Elsevier 2021
Materias:	Delphi method Expert opinion Validation Wetlands Ecosystem service assessment Ecology QH540-549.5
Acceso en línea:	https://doaj.org/article/601ea5efbac74934a23f6019f9118c5a
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spelling	oai:doaj.org-article:601ea5efbac74934a23f6019f9118c5a2021-12-01T04:47:37ZValidation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method1470-160X10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107511https://doaj.org/article/601ea5efbac74934a23f6019f9118c5a2021-06-01T00:00:00Zhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X2100176Xhttps://doaj.org/toc/1470-160XWetlands differ in their ability to provide ecosystem services, and thus there is a need to assess ecosystem service delivery in order to prioritize protection and restoration efforts. We used a Delphi-based expert-panel method to validate an ecosystem services assessment technique in a context where there is a paucity of field-level process-based research into the delivery of ecosystem services. The validation process entailed comparing scores from a panel of wetland experts to that derived by WET-EcoServices. Three wetlands were selected where detailed information relating to the supply of regulating services was available. At each site a selection of regulating services was assessed and then scored using the technique and independently by the panel of experts. The expert panel reached high levels of consensus (83%) on the scores for the three case studies used in the validation process. The consensus formed a useful basis for the validation of the technique. Statistical testing revealed no significant differences between expert and technique scores however, when considered practically, there were small differences in 53% of the scores, moderate differences in 23% and large in 20%. In most cases the technique over scored relative to the expert assessment. The results were useful for identifying specific refinements to the technique. The study demonstrates how a three-way “engagement” of a rapid-assessment technique, expert opinion and detailed research can be used to improve ecosystem services assessments in resource-limited situations. We reflected on the use of the Delphi method in a resource-constrained environment and advocate its careful application in similar contexts.D. WaltersD.C. KotzeA. RebeloL. PretoriusN. JobJ.V. LagesseE. RiddellC. CowdenElsevierarticleDelphi methodExpert opinionValidationWetlandsEcosystem service assessmentEcologyQH540-549.5ENEcological Indicators, Vol 125, Iss , Pp 107511- (2021)
institution	DOAJ
collection	DOAJ
language	EN
topic	Delphi method Expert opinion Validation Wetlands Ecosystem service assessment Ecology QH540-549.5
spellingShingle	Delphi method Expert opinion Validation Wetlands Ecosystem service assessment Ecology QH540-549.5 D. Walters D.C. Kotze A. Rebelo L. Pretorius N. Job J.V. Lagesse E. Riddell C. Cowden Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method
description	Wetlands differ in their ability to provide ecosystem services, and thus there is a need to assess ecosystem service delivery in order to prioritize protection and restoration efforts. We used a Delphi-based expert-panel method to validate an ecosystem services assessment technique in a context where there is a paucity of field-level process-based research into the delivery of ecosystem services. The validation process entailed comparing scores from a panel of wetland experts to that derived by WET-EcoServices. Three wetlands were selected where detailed information relating to the supply of regulating services was available. At each site a selection of regulating services was assessed and then scored using the technique and independently by the panel of experts. The expert panel reached high levels of consensus (83%) on the scores for the three case studies used in the validation process. The consensus formed a useful basis for the validation of the technique. Statistical testing revealed no significant differences between expert and technique scores however, when considered practically, there were small differences in 53% of the scores, moderate differences in 23% and large in 20%. In most cases the technique over scored relative to the expert assessment. The results were useful for identifying specific refinements to the technique. The study demonstrates how a three-way “engagement” of a rapid-assessment technique, expert opinion and detailed research can be used to improve ecosystem services assessments in resource-limited situations. We reflected on the use of the Delphi method in a resource-constrained environment and advocate its careful application in similar contexts.
format	article
author	D. Walters D.C. Kotze A. Rebelo L. Pretorius N. Job J.V. Lagesse E. Riddell C. Cowden
author_facet	D. Walters D.C. Kotze A. Rebelo L. Pretorius N. Job J.V. Lagesse E. Riddell C. Cowden
author_sort	D. Walters
title	Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method
title_short	Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method
title_full	Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method
title_fullStr	Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method
title_full_unstemmed	Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method
title_sort	validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the delphi method
publisher	Elsevier
publishDate	2021
url	https://doaj.org/article/601ea5efbac74934a23f6019f9118c5a
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Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi method

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