Economics
An operational structure for clarity in ecosystem service values
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Analyses used to value ecosystem services often confuse final ecosystem services with ecological functions that provide indirect benefit. Typologies of ecosystem services, such as that developed by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, do not ameliorate these challenges. Among the causes of ambiguity in classifying values associated with intermediate versus final ecosystem services are (1) the lack of simple, broadly applicable guidelines to assist natural and social scientists in deriving consistent and replicable classifications, and (2) attempts to define universal typologies of final services that apply to all beneficiaries. This paper presents an operational mechanism for determining whether a biophysical feature, quantity, or quality represents a final ecosystem service for an inclusive suite of beneficiaries. It is designed for straightforward application by those without expertise in natural or social sciences, and can be used within existing typologies. Illustrations of the structure demonstrate how the resulting classifications avert double counting and other ambiguities. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.
Publication Title
Ecological Economics
Publication Date
10-15-2011
Volume
70
Issue
12
First Page
2243
Last Page
2249
ISSN
0921-8009
DOI
10.1016/j.ecolecon.2011.07.003
Keywords
cost benefit analysis, ecosystem benefits, ecosystem services, human welfare, valuation, willingness to pay
Repository Citation
Johnston, Robert J. and Russell, Marc, "An operational structure for clarity in ecosystem service values" (2011). Economics. 194.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_economics/194
