The InVEST model developed by the Natural Capital Project is a suite of models used to quantify ecosystem services and evaluate tradeoffs. InVEST models have been widely applied in the field of ecological environment. The Habitat Quality model can assess habitat quality and degradation levels across a landscape. InVEST models can also be used to estimate the supply of ecosystem services. By considering both supply and demand of ecosystem services, InVEST models support ecosystem management and decision making.
Key Factors in InVEST Habitat Quality Model
The InVEST Habitat Quality model considers land use/land cover maps and threats to biodiversity to evaluate habitat quality and rarity. Key factors include habitat suitability of LULC types, threat density and sensitivity of habitats to threats, threat propagation across space, and accessibility of habitats. By integrating these factors, the model generates habitat quality, degradation levels and rarity scores.
Using InVEST Models to Assess Ecosystem Service Supply
InVEST models can quantify ecosystem service supplies bymodeling ecosystem processes and functions. For example, the Carbon Storage and Sequestration model estimates carbon storage and sequestration rates based on LULC types and carbon pools. The Sediment Delivery Ratio model estimates sediment export and retention. By assessing service supply, InVEST models inform ecosystem management to balance human well-being and nature conservation.
Incorporating Ecosystem Service Demand
Effective decision-making requires analyzing both ecosystem service supply and demand. Demand can be assessed through surveys of households, businesses, and other stakeholders. Comparing supply and demand highlights mismatches, such as degraded supply unable to meet stakeholder needs. This enables targeted management, like restoring habitats critical for valued services.
Application of InVEST Models in Ecological Studies
InVEST models provide quantitative, spatially explicit and scenario-based evaluation of ecosystem services. They have been widely used to inform land use planning, habitat conservation, watershed management, and carbon finance. For example, the habitat quality model identified conservation priority areas that maximize habitat quality and connectivity. The carbon model was used to assess REDD+ projects and guide forest restoration planning to increase carbon sequestration.
In summary, the InVEST suite of models offers an effective tool to evaluate ecosystem service supply and demand and guide sustainable environmental management. The habitat quality model assesses habitat conditions while other models quantify service production. By integrating service supply and stakeholder demand, InVEST enables balancing human well-being and ecological sustainability.