The book synthesises the ESPA programme's compelling evidence on ecosystems and wellbeing. It addresses the evolving framings and contexts of ecosystem services for poverty alleviation, reviews the impacts of ongoing drivers of change and presents new ways to achieve sustainable wellbeing, equity, diversity, and resilience.

The dependence of the world’s poorest people on the environment and their contribution to its stewardship are often ‘hidden’ in public debates and decision-making processes. Trade-offs and any potential human costs must be understood and explicitly addressed. An environmental justice approach can help achieve this.

Many national policies and international agreements include goals to protect ecosystem services. This guidebook helps readers to assess how ecosystem service models could support policy-making in their countries and is based on practical experiences in sub-Saharan Africa.