Assessing impacts on natural capital and ecosystem services in mountain areas

Mountain areas worldwide are affected by direct and indirect drivers of change, including climate change and land-use and land-cover change (LULCC). These drivers significantly impact natural capital (resource stocks), ecosystem services (benefit flows), and human health and well-being. However, the complex interactions among these drivers and elements, along with their cascading effects on ecological and socio-economic systems in mountain regions, remain poorly understood. This session will focus on assessing the impacts of climate change and LULCC on mountain natural capital and ecosystem services through integrated frameworks and interdisciplinary approaches that combine ecological, social, and economic perspectives. Contributions addressing other drivers are also welcome, especially those interacting with climate and land-use processes. Discussions will emphasise strategies for the preservation, restoration, and sustainable management of mountain ecosystems and ecosystem services under changing environmental conditions, focusing on building socioecological resilience and enhancing human well-being. Topics to be addressed include (non-exhaustive list): 1. Impacts of environmental drivers (e.g., climate change, LULCC) on mountain natural capital (e.g., resources, biodiversity, ecosystems), ecosystem services, and human well-being. 2. Interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., ecosystem accounting, Planetary Health, EcoHealth, One Health) to assess mountain natural capital. 3. Monetary and non-monetary methods to value mountain ecosystem services and natural capital. 4. Strategies for the preservation, restoration, and sustainable management of mountain natural capital.