A framework linking ecosystem services and human well-being: Saltmarsh as a case study

The ecosystem services approach is based on the interdependencies between nature and human well-being. However, while the ecosystem services aspect of this approach is well-developed, the human well-being aspect remains unstructured and vaguely defined. An integrated conceptual framework was developed by adapting and linking the UK National Ecosystem Assessment-Follow On framework with human well-being domains. As well as benefits, the notion of disbenefits was incorporated to recognise the potentially detrimental effects from interacting with nature. Benefits and disbenefits occur at the social-ecological interface and are classified by the seven domains of human well-being they affect. The framework is applied to saltmarsh habitat as a case study, highlighting knowledge gaps and the potential applicability and usefulness of the framework. In saltmarsh, benefits mainly accrue at larger scales with a greater impact affecting local to global individuals, while disbenefits tend to occur at a smaller scale and impact in-situ individuals. The framework provides in-depth insight into links, trade-offs and dichotomies between benefits and disbenefits and human well-being, and improves accessibility to the complex research area of human well-being. This research can be a useful tool to guide environmental and health policy and management, as well as stakeholder engagement. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.