Integrating the concept of ecosystem services in territorial planning

The present article analyzes the importance of addressing ecosystem services in territorial planning, starting with a bibliographic review of the concept of ecosystem services and the benefits obtained by working under this approach, including the main ways of classifying these goods and services. The concept and objectives of territorial planning and the way in which zoning (known in Costa Rica as Regulatory Plan) is the main tool influencing Costa Rican territorial planning are reviewed. Next, the importance of planning to guarantee the sustainability of ecosystem services was analyzed and, therefore, the need to consider these services in territorial planning processes without omitting the challenges underlying this approach. As an example, the experience in the city of Damascus (Oregon, USA) is examined and the main criteria for the consideration of ecosystem services in its zoning plan are presented. Finally, a series of conclusions are exhibited that expose the long road ahead in this area, while highlighting the imperativeness of incorporating the ecosystem services approach in territorial planning to achieve the objectives of sustainable development.