Ecosystem services approach in Latin America: from theoretical promises to real applications

Abstract

In the Latin American context, knowledge generation alone will not solve socio-environmental problems. Consensus is as important for ESA mainstreaming, and there is not a direct link between knowledge and consensus. That is why ESA will have to incorporate elements from other conceptual frameworks that deal with power relations and politics. • The reach of consensus involves aspects of values and governance. It would be desirable that ESA takes into account a broad range of value systems and links with nature. It also would be recommendable to deepen the focus on the institutional arrangement and relationships among sectors in the Latin American context that enable or prevent ESA mainstreaming, as well as forms of governance for which existing instruments under the ESA are not appropriate. • The effective use of information as an input for discussions to reach consensus would be facilitated working on the interfaces between the sectors associated to ES management. To this end, innovative roles of the researcher in decision-making environments would be imagined.