5. Conclusions
In this paper we presented a comprehensive framework for
national ecosystem service indicators, following the principles
of the CICES framework and the cascade model. The indicators
developed synthesize and visualize information from complex
social–ecological systems and make it thus better accessible for
decision-makers, planners and anyone interested in the theme. The
set of 28 Finland’s most important ecosystem services and their
altogether 112 indicators – one on each four steps of the
cascade (structure, function, benefit, value) – concretizes the
national debate on ecosystem services. They also provide groundwork
for further development. Published on the Internet at
www.biodiversity.fi/ecosystemservices the indicators are open to
everyone and allow for continuous reassessment and development.
The indicators also support national biodiversity and ES
related evaluation and, hopefully, international efforts such as
MAES.