InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs)

InVEST, or Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs, is a tool designed to help decision-makers understand the economic and ecological value of natural resources. It assesses the benefits ecosystems provide, such as clean water, carbon storage, and soil fertility. By modeling different scenarios, InVEST allows users to explore the trade-offs between environmental conservation and development, helping to inform sustainable management choices. Essentially, it helps people visualize how practices affect nature and, in turn, us, enabling a more informed approach to land use and resource management.