DiscussionInVEST_2

SWOT Analysis InVEST Toolbox Beta Version 1.005 Ecosystem Service Modeling Team College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Fall 2010

Positive

Negative

Internal Origin

Strengths

Weaknesses

External Origin

WHAT IS A SWOT ANALYSIS?

Opportunities

Threats

 S: Strengths  W: Weaknesses  O: Opportunities  T: Threats

STRENGTHS  Models  simplicity vs. complexity  scale of study area  flexibility  Applicable to Other GIS Data Sets  North Carolina biodiversity datasets  human health datasets  Outputs are Based in Production Functions  define how an ecosystem’s structure and function affect the flows and

values of ecosystem services

 Multiple Valuation Methods  hedonic property valuation  contingent valuation  change in productivity

WEAKNESSES  Complexity  dbf vs. excel  data requirements  few point-and-click options

 Limited to ArcGIS Users

 Ambiguity of Instruction

THREATS  Value of Ecosystem Services in Competitive Markets  Theoretical Perspective Conflicts  engineer vs. conserve  economy vs. ecology

 Ease of Data Acquisition  Ecosystem Service Jargon  “SEXY” topics

OPPORTUNITIES  Markets are Poised for Growth  Environmental Issues are in the Spotlight  Special Interest Groups are Looking for New Tools  Interdisciplinary Fields are Growing