Assessment of ecosystem services.

Which method is better suited to incorporate nature's values into (political) decision-making? This question is addressed in this report. For this purpose, the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was compared with the multi-criteria analysis (MCA). Both methods were tested on the basis of specific questions about orchard cultivation in the Pöllauer Tal Nature Park in Styria. The CBA represents the values in monetary units. In practice, it has been shown that, in addition to ethical concerns, difficult-to-evaluate ecosystem services are insufficiently taken into account and monetization is associated with some effort. The MCA can represent economic, environmental, social and cultural dimensions, with stakeholder participation being central. Both methods provide important basis for decision-making.