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Project title

POLLIVAL: assessing market and non-market values of pollination services in Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Jane Stout

Project Abstract

By understanding, evaluating and assessing our natural capital and ecosystem services which flow from it, we can start to account for natural capital and integrate it into our decision making. This will enable the sustainable use of natural resources. This project will provide a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of the market value of pollination services in Ireland using best-practice methods identified through expert consultation. Data gaps in terms of pollination dependency of Irish crops will be identified and filled. In addition, the project will deliver a method for assessing non-market values of pollination services, including supporting, regulating and cultural services, which has not previously been attempted. Finally, by investigating drivers of change, including climate, policy and consumer behaviour, the project will model how values will change in the future. By understanding and communicating the market and non-market values of key ecosystem services, such as pollination, we can develop a better appreciation of natural capital for policy and planning decisions at many levels and in several sectors. The outputs of the project will include market-value evaluation of pollination services in Ireland, as well as the methodology and a scoping report for non-market evaluation of pollination services, which has not yet been attempted anywhere else, putting Ireland at the fore-front of this research field. This will be communicated via a final report including summaries of findings and recommendations for management and policy, as well as a 2-page summary report, at the end of the project, for inclusion on the EPA website. In addition, scientific outputs will include two peer review papers (target journals: Ecosystem Services, International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management � both have open access publishing and international interdisciplinary impact), as well as oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences (e.g. The World Forum on Natural Capital 2017). Furthermore, the organisation of a stakeholder workshop to develop best practice natural capital valuation methodology and resultant data map and novel data sets, which will be open-access will enable dissemination of the project further afield. Finally, policy-relevant document/guidelines identifying drivers and impacts of future change for pollination service delivery, and value, will be prepared and presented to relevant stakeholders at a final project meeting.

Grant Approved

�144,667.10

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Natural capital and ecosystem services including soils and biodiversity

Start Date

01/12/2016

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2018