Understanding the current ecosystem condition for your project is necessary to establish a baseline from which to measure the impacts of your project. Determine your ecosystem type (for example, forest, wetland, grassland, coastal area) and gain insight into its components, which encompass plant and animal biodiversity, climate and weather patterns with associated risks, hydrology, soil composition, functions, and land use cover.

Begin exploring the intricate relationships(s) between the ecosystem’s condition (or its ability to yield services) and its use by humans. Develop a comprehensive understanding of diverse human activities, including recreation, agriculture, industry, and urban development. Identify the groups actively participating in these activities. Moreover, consider natural events, like floods, and regulatory factors that have impacted the current use.

With the list of human uses, identify the ecosystem services provided by the area. For example, if people are using the site for recreation, and they are bird watching, then the ecosystem service they care about is biodiversity (presence, abundance, and diversity of birds). Be sure to connect any ecosystem services you identify with human uses you may not have previously considered (for example, biodiversity may also benefit educational activities).

Consider the ecosystem health impacts of the action(s) you will take to address your management issue. Specify the relationship(s) between the human action and the resulting impact on the ecosystem’s condition or functioning. Be aware that the action(s) can include both positive and negative impacts. Because a change in the ecosystem condition is so complex, engaging in both research and science, as well as capturing stakeholder input and perceptions, is important.

An ecosystem’s condition is its capacity to yield services. Identify and assess your ecosystem’s biophysical indicators and connect your project ideas with the ecosystem services concepts you are proposing.

While most coastal restoration management projects have an existing ecological purpose, ecosystem service valuation goals are socioeconomic, not ecological. This is because people value what is most relevant to them and what closely impacts their well-being. For example, your project may be a best management practice that results in a reduction in total suspended solids (TSS), but people using the resource may not directly care about TSS (or even know what it is). However, they may care about changes in catch rate and species caught, so establishing a link between TSS and catch rate will be critical.

Examine available data sources to assess ecosystem conditions, current human use, ecosystem services, and respective impacts. If no existing data sources are accessible, contemplate the required data types and methods for collection, along with the necessary expertise. Conduct workshops involving stakeholders that have expertise in the resource, in restoration science, and in current and desired public use as well as those who are involved in policy and management.

Changes in ecosystem services impact human well-being. For example, an increase in biodiversity can increase the value of recreation for many users.

The framework can create a simple description of the human impact on ecosystem services; however, it will not be possible to undertake a complete evaluation of the project action unless this relationship is quantified with measurable metrics. Changes in human well-being can be measured using valuation methods, as explained in the next step.