Assessment of ecosystem services.

Which method is better suited to incorporating nature’s values into (political) decision-making? The present report examines this question. For this purpose, the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was compared with the multi-criteria analysis (MCA). Both methods were tested on the basis of specific questions about streaking in the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park in Styria. The CBA represents the values in monetary units. In practice, in addition to ethical concerns, ecosystem services that are difficult to evaluate are insufficiently taken into account and monetisation involves some effort. The MCA can represent economic, environmental, social and cultural dimensions, with stakeholder participation being central. Both methods provide important basis for decision-making.