M.E.G.S. Building Experimental Ecosystem Accounts London Group, Ottawa October 2012 François Soulard, Giuseppe Filoso, Gabriel Gagnon, Robby Bemrose, Mark Henry, Pat Adams, Michael Bordt. Table of Content 1. What is MEGS: The project 2. Why is MEGS: Policy issues 3. MEGS so far: Workgroups results 4. MEGS and beyond: Challenges and possibilities 2 Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada 15/10/2012 The Project  Measuring Ecosystem Goods and Services (MEGS) is a 2 year Statistics Canada-led interdepartmental initiative aiming to develop prototype ecosystem accounts to support policy needs of: 1. Environment Canada 2. Agriculture and Agrifood Canada 3. Fisheries and Oceans Canada 4. Natural Resources Canada 5. Parks Canada  “Virtual” team of 60 mostly part-time staff in 6 departments 3 Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada 15/10/2012 The Project (Cont.) 1. Build a statistical infrastructure 1. Develop coherent spatial frameworks and geo- referenced data 2. Adopt common classifications 2. Measure extent and quality of ecosystems 1. Acquire and integrate data 2. Measuring indicators 3. Refine approaches to valuation 1. Produce exploratory case studies 4 Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada 15/10/2012 General Policy Issues 1. Many demands from resource departments: 1. Monetary values of ecosystems and their services to support discussions of protection, conservation, climate change, sustainability, pollution prevention, land use change... 2. Opportunity to raise argument beyond “environment” versus “economy” to understand the real contribution of ecosystems to human well being, sustainability and “green growth” 5 Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada 15/10/2012 Specific Policy Issues 1. Environment Canada 1. Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) 2. Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) 3. Data legacy project for the ESTR series of reports that would facilitate reporting under the United Nations Convention for Biodiversity 2. Department of Fisheries and Oceans 1. Marine Ecosystem Status and Trends reporting 2. Regulatory cost-benefit analysis 3. New policy frameworks based on an ecosystems approach 3. Agriculture and Agrifood Canada 1. Integrated Assessment Modelling Systems requires Valuation of ecosystem services and biodiversity to conduct policy-relevant analytical studies and evaluations. 4. Natural Resources Canada 1. Report on Plans and Priorities Enhanced data about ecosystems and biodiversity and related goods and services. 6 Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada 15/10/2012 The Workgroups 1. Ecosystem data accessibili ty 2. Land cover extent and spatial standards 3. Landscape condition & environmental quality 4. Coastal and marine 5. Wetlands 6. Valuation 7 Land cover extent and spatial standards 1. Coherent spatial standards and classifications 2. Standardized spatial data for use by stakeholders 8 Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada 15/10/2012 Spatial Attribute Data Main criteria for defining / analysing ecosystems • •Landcover / landform / climate / socio-economic variables • Soil landscapes units = First level Ecosystem Reporting Unit •Rolls up to ecozone / drainage area hierarchy Ecosystem Reporting Unit •12924 unique ERUs • Minimum area 1.4 km2 • Maximum area 3500 km2 • Mean area 764 km2 9 Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada 15/10/2012 Spatial Attribute Data Environmental Valuation Reference Inventory Component table – soil characterstics Ecodistrict Normals 1961 – 1990 Socio – economic 2001 - 2011 10 Statistics Canada • Statistique Canada 15/10/2012