Valuing Ecosystem Services: Toward Better Environmental Decision-Making

Valuing Ecosystem Services: Toward Better Environmental Decision-Making
ISBN-10
030909318X
ISBN-13
9780309093187
Series
Valuing Ecosystem Services
Category
Science
Pages
290
Language
English
Published
2005-05-14
Publisher
National Academies Press
Authors
National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Water Science and Technology Board

Description

Nutrient recycling, habitat for plants and animals, flood control, and water supply are among the many beneficial services provided by aquatic ecosystems. In making decisions about human activities, such as draining a wetland for a housing development, it is essential to consider both the value of the development and the value of the ecosystem services that could be lost. Despite a growing recognition of the importance of ecosystem services, their value is often overlooked in environmental decision-making. This report identifies methods for assigning economic value to ecosystem servicesâ€"even intangible onesâ€"and calls for greater collaboration between ecologists and economists in such efforts.

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