Introducing a Framework for Application of the Ecosystem Services Approach in the Water Resources Management

Ecosystem service concept can offer a valuable approach for linking human and nature and analysis for the conservation and restoration plans of natural ecosystems. Despite an increasing consideration in the concept, the practical application of the concept of land use and water resources management has been challenged by the lake of appropriate definitions and methods. In this study with review of existing scientific literature, a conceptual framework has been suggested for assessment and valuation of the services that are relevant to water resources management. In particular, within the framework, it has been described how the linkages between human pressures, ecological status, and ecosystem services delivery can be analyzed in aquatic systems. Also, a list of sustainability and efficiency indicators of the water-related ecosystem services has been provided with an emphasize on the capacity and flow of the services and their social benefits which can be used in the quantification of the services and measurement of their changes. Finally, with a comparison between both approaches of the usually integrated management of water resources and ecosystem management of the watersheds, the urgent need for incorporation of ecosystem services approach in water resource management has been explained as an innovative approach in response to the dominance crisis in water systems such as wetlands.