Table 2.

Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) basic structure and

relationship of classes to Green Infrastructure benefits

This table shows the main ecosystem services according to CICES, which is used in action 5 of the EU
Biodiversity Strategy ('MAES'), and how they can be translated into the specific Green Infrastructure
benefits. MAES – mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services – intends to deliver a
baseline for prioritising investments in Green Infrastructure by informing on state and trends of
relevant ecosystems and their services.

CICES CICES Specific Green Infrastructure benefits

Section Division
Water supply  Storage of freshwater resources

Materials  Capacity to provide a diversified

Provisioning portfolio of products (raw materials,
genetic resources, medicinal and
ornamental resources)
Regulating Regulation of bio-  Air quality (purification)
and physical  Water treatment (esp. purification)
Maintenance environment
Flow regulation  Disturbance prevention or moderation
 Regulation of water flows
 Erosion prevention
 Storm damage control
Regulation of  Noise regulation
physico-chemical  Maintenance of soil fertility
environment  Carbon storage and sequestration
 Temperature control
Regulation of  Existence value of habitat, species and
biotic environment genetic diversity Pollination
 Biological Control
Cultural Symbolic  Bequest and altruist value of habitat,
species and genetic diversity for future
generations
Intellectual and  Image enhancement
experiential  Accessibility for exercise and amenity
 Teaching resource and "natural
laboratory"
 Increased attractiveness of recreational
(and tourism) opportunities

Green  Investment and Employment

Infrastructure  Labour productivity
benefits not  Land and property values: Quality and
captured in attractiveness improved.
CICES  Resilience of Ecosystem Services
framework