EEcoS - Experiencing Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services describe goods and benefits humans receive from ecosystems. The ecosystem service framework which focus on the interface between ecosystem and society not only stimulates interdisciplinary research, but it is also a very advantageous concept to promote the societal relevance of basic research. The science communication project EEcoS Experiencing Ecosystem Services focus on the development of an interactive hiking-tour which addresses ecosystem services in alpine landscapes. The development of the hiking-tour will build upon the results of the FWF - projects VITAL (I 242-B17) and REGARDS (I 1056-B25) and based on a participative process including both scientists involved in those projects and regional stakeholders. The interactive hiking-tour using multimedia elements should encourage the general public to deal with the ecosystem concept in general and with the importance of grassland ecosystems in specific. This can promote the awareness in regard to the importance of basic research and its contribution to the solution of important societal problems. The hiking-tour will be provided in two forms: 1. As guided and interactive hiking-tour. This tour can be done anywhere on suitable trails in Tyrol. They will be conducted by trained and specifically instructed nature guides using materials and methods developed for this purpose. The guided tours target mainly pupils and adults interested in nature. 2. As an interactive interpretative trail in the Stubai Valley. Background information will be made available using a Web-page and QR-codes or traditionally in a booklet. The interpretative trail targets residents and tourists. The specific conceptual design and implementation of the hiking-tour both as location- independent guided activity and physically installed interpretative trail in the Stubai Valley will help to reach and involve different target groups (stakeholder, multipliers, residents, tourists, and pupils) in a very effective and cost saving way. Cooperation with the environmental education organisation natopia and the Tiroler Landesumweltanwaltschaft will guarantee the sustainable and long lasting use of the developed materials and tours.