Page 182 - Invited Paper Session (IPS) - Volume 2

IPS195 Albert B.
(integrated) methodology for environmental accounting. From a
dissemination point of view it would seem advantageous to have one single
key-indicator being able to portray the ecological situation in one figure.
- Accessibility and clarity
Clarity refers mainly to the availability of metadata, whereas accessibility
concerns the easiness of obtaining data and support. As in other statistical
areas, environmental data produced by statistical offices should be
published by them via a press release, including a comment (link), so that
further information can be obtained. Just disseminating the environmental
data is an important first step. In addition, there is a need to produce and
publish metadata in order to inform users about methods used including
assumptions made and comments on limitations.
For the time being several countries, like the member-states of the
European Union or Australia and Canada, regularly produce ecological data,
mainly based on the SEEA-2012-CF. For the future relevance of official
statistics it would seem useful to work on ecosystem data as well, at least in
physical terms. This could be done in a stepwise parallel approach, i.e. working
on national priorities and at the same time joining international efforts to
make progress in the case of stated international priorities, like the Agenda
2030 or the Paris climate agreement.

6. Conclusion
The focus of this paper is on environmental accounting as well as the
ecosystem approach, which are briefly presented on a conceptual basis. A
question raised in this respect is, why not have one integrated methodology
for environmental accounting instead of two separate ones.
A couple of selected measurement issues are addressed as well, including
the issue of compiling ecosystem data in physical and/or in value terms. In
addition, different possibilities how to disseminate and combine data on
ecosystems are presented, having the aim to attract more attention and
broaden the perspective of progress. Finally an assessment on the basis of
certain criteria is provided, regarding the question whether official statistics
should embark on producing and publishing data on the environment
including ecosystems. The recommendation is that by working on ecosystem
data statistical offices their relevance is enhancing.

References
1. Brouwer, R., et al, (2013): A synthesis of approaches to assess and value
ecosystem services in the EU in the context of TEEB – Final Report
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/economics/pdf/EU
%20Valuation.pdf

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