Doğal Sermaye ve Ekosistem Hizmetleri: Kavramsal Temeller ve Mekansal Modelleme Araçları ile Küresel ve Türkiye Uygulamaları

This study aims to evaluate the conceptual foundations of natural capital and ecosystem services, as well as the tools that enable their spatial modeling. Valuing ecosystem services both physically and monetarily is critically important for sustainable development, environmental planning, and nature-based decision-making processes. In this context, three widely used global tools—ARIES, InVEST, and Co$ting Nature—are comparatively analyzed in terms of their technical features, data requirements, outputs, and user profiles. Additionally, the implementation of these tools within the Turkish context is assessed by reviewing the current data infrastructure, policy documents, academic studies, pilot projects, and institutional initiatives. The findings reveal that spatial modeling tools offer strong potential for quantifying, mapping, and integrating ecosystem services into natural capital accounting. However, to fully realize this potential, it is essential to strengthen data infrastructure, establish legal frameworks, and enhance institutional capacity.