Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services: Theoretical Foundations and the Global and Turkish Implementations of Spatial Modeling Tools

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 1, 17 - 40, 31.07.2025

Deniz Basoglu Acet , Gül Canan Yavuz , Kasirga Yildirak

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the conceptual foundations of natural capital and ecosystem services, as well as the tools that enable their spatial modeling. Valuing ecosystem services both physically and monetarily is critically important for sustainable development, environmental planning, and nature-based decision-making processes. In this context, three widely used global tools—ARIES, InVEST, and Co$ting Nature—are comparatively analyzed in terms of their technical features, data requirements, outputs, and user profiles. Additionally, the implementation of these tools within the Turkish context is assessed by reviewing the current data infrastructure, policy documents, academic studies, pilot projects, and institutional initiatives. The findings reveal that spatial modeling tools offer strong potential for quantifying, mapping, and integrating ecosystem services into natural capital accounting. However, to fully realize this potential, it is essential to strengthen data infrastructure, establish legal frameworks, and enhance institutional capacity.

Keywords

Spatial Modeling, SEEA EA, InVEST, ARIES, Co$ting Nature, Nature-based Solutions, Environmental Accounting, Sustainable Development, Turkey

Doğal Sermaye ve Ekosistem Hizmetleri: Kavramsal Temeller ve Mekansal Modelleme Araçları ile Küresel ve Türkiye Uygulamaları

Abstract

Bu çalışma, doğal sermaye ve ekosistem hizmetlerinin kavramsal temelleri ile bu hizmetlerin mekânsal olarak modellenmesine olanak tanıyan araçları değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Ekosistem hizmetlerinin hem fiziksel hem de parasal olarak değerlenmesi, sürdürülebilir kalkınma, çevresel planlama ve doğa temelli karar alma süreçleri açısından kritik önemdedir. Bu bağlamda, dünya genelinde yaygın olarak kullanılan ARIES, InVEST ve Co$ting Nature araçları, teknik özellikleri, veri gereksinimleri, çıktıları ve kullanıcı profilleri açısından karşılaştırmalı olarak analiz edilmiştir. Ayrıca, bu araçların Türkiye bağlamında uygulanabilirliği, mevcut veri altyapısı ve politika belgeleriyle olan ilişkisi değerlendirilmiş; Türkiye’deki mevcut akademik çalışmalar, pilot projeler ve kurumsal girişimlere dair bir derleme sunulmuştur. Bulgular, ekosistem hizmetlerinin sayısallaştırılması, haritalandırılması ve doğal sermaye muhasebesine entegrasyonu için mekânsal modelleme araçlarının güçlü bir potansiyel sunduğunu ortaya koymakta; ancak bu potansiyelin etkin şekilde kullanılabilmesi için veri altyapısının güçlendirilmesi, yasal çerçevelerin oluşturulması ve kurumsal kapasitenin artırılması gerektiğini vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

Mekânsal Modelleme, SEEA EA, InVEST, ARIES, Co$ting Nature, Doğa Temelli Çözümler, Çevresel Muhasebe, Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma, Türkiye

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