IPBES Nexus Assessment - Chapter 5.4 – HEALTH, data management report 1 – Multi-criteria decision analysis methodology for selecting response options

Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was used to identify, screen, and score response options (ROs) to select 15 ROs to describe briefly in the chapter and further select a subset of five ROs to describe in depth. Multi-criteria decision analysis is a non-monetary valuation method for simultaneously embracing, combining and structuring often incommensurable diversity: diversity of information (e.g., qualitative and quantitative data, as well as uncertainty), diversity of opinion (also among experts), diversity in actor perspectives (stakes), and diversity in assessment/decision-making criteria (Keune et al., 2013; Van Schoubroeck et al., 2019). Multi-criteria decision analysis also supports deliberation and helps to pave the way to decision-making and communication about decisions taken. The group ranking method was applied; this method was also used in IPBES Regional Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Europe and Central Asia regarding health issues.