Analyzing the Effects of Policy on Ecosystem Services

Little research has been conducted on the relationship between local policy and its effects on ecosystem services and natural capital. Perhaps as a consequence, policy makers and city planners frequently lack knowledge on topics relating natural capital. To address the above gap and increase the role of natural capital in decision making, we examined Master plans and Comprehensive plans in 10 counties in the Upstate of South Carolina. These policies were coded in MAXQDA and overlaid with GIS data to examine the spatial correlation between policy and the ecosystem. We also conducted interviews with policy makers and city planners in order to identify their level of proficiency pertaining to environmental issues as well as their goals for their county. Our results indicate that the environment and natural capital were infrequently mentioned or prioritized in these plans; but when referenced, it was related to the built environment. The majority of these references referred to water in the context of sanitation. During interviews there appeared to be a substantial focus by the county officials on the relationship between agriculture, the government, and the environment. We also found uncertainty within county level officials as to their role in environmental policy. This research will help to guide counties in creating future master plans, specific zoning and finding partners in their community as well as generating goals for clean food, air, water and environmental protection