Handbook of Ecological Indicators for Assessment of Ecosystem Health

<p>Continuing in the tradition of its bestselling predecessor the <strong>Handbook of Ecological Indicators for Assessment of Ecosystem Health Second Edition</strong> brings together world-class editors and contributors who have been at the forefront of ecosystem health assessment research for decades to provide a sound approach to environmental management and sustainable development. </p><p></p><p>Significantly updated and expanded this authoritative resource details a proven framework for selecting evaluating and validating ecological indicators for ecosystem health assessment. It guides readers through the application of this framework to a wide range of ecosystems including wetlands estuaries coastal zones lakes forests marine ecosystems lagoons agricultural systems landscapes and rivers. The text synthesizes material from a variety of books journals and private research to consider biodiversity energy needs ecological economics and natural capital in the measurement of ecological health. </p><p></p><p>Organized for ease of reference the first part of the handbook provides the required theoretical background. It presents a complete overview of all relevant ecological indicators—including thermodynamics resilience estimates exergy and emergy indicators. The second part focuses on how to effectively apply the ecological indicators to a number of important ecosystems. It includes many examples and case studies that clearly illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each method for specific applications.</p><p></p><p>Offering first-hand insight and practical guidance from practitioners in the field this complete resource supplies the tools and the well-rounded understanding required to diagnose the health of virtually any ecosystem with much improved accuracy.</p>