BaBU Review

The Biotic and Biophysical Underpinning of Ecosystem Services in the Scottish Context  review was carried out to help deliver increased understanding of the linkages between the primary ecological and evolutionary processes, ecosystem function and ecosystem services, to inform assessment of the consequences of environmental change for the wide range of ecosystem services.

By undertaking a review exercise focussed on the underpinning of ecosystem service delivery by the natural environment we are able to:

1. improve shared understanding about ecosystem service delivery and the Ecosystem Approach concepts
2. better target future research activity toward identified knowledge gaps.

This is a rapidly-developing research field and the breadth of topics and information that might be covered by such a review is very large. Consequently, the review is focussed around a number of focal topics which will inform future research activity by the Ecosystem Services Theme [1] of the RESAS Strategic Research Programme.

The full report, an executive summary, and thoughts on the understanding gained during the review, and current and upcoming research challenges, are available to download below.

• PDF file: Biotic and Biophysical Underpinning of Ecosystem Services in the Scottish Context [2] (1.3 MB)
• PDF file: Executive Summary: Biotic and Biophysical Underpinning of Ecosystem Services in the Scottish Context [3] (515 KB)
• PDF File: BaBU new understanding [4] (483 KB)
• PDF file: BaBU research challenges [5] (440 KB)

A number of shorter briefs have also been produced based on this review.

• PDF File: BaBU food production brief [6] (205KB)
• PDF File: BaBU biodiversity brief [7] (204KB)

For further information, please contact Rob Brooker [8]