The U.S. Federal Administration released a new memorandum directing Federal agencies to factor the value of ecosystem services into Federal planning and decision-making (Announcement).

From “Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Federal Decision Making” (Memo)

Today, the links among land, air, fresh water, ocean, and human activities are better understood. Advances in science and technology have provided timely and usable information to guide decision making. For example, advances in the social sciences have further developed methods to articulate the value of ecosystem services in both monetary and non-monetary terms. By incorporating ecosystem services into Federal agency planning and decision making, and recognizing that healthy ecosystems are essential to human welfare, security, and the health of social and economic systems, Federal agencies will more effectively address the challenges facing the Nation and ensure ecosystems are healthy for this and future generations.