Ecosystems Services Valuation

Spash, Clive L. (2008): Ecosystems Services Valuation. Published in: Environmental Values , Vol. 17, No. 2 (2008): pp. 259-284.

Abstract

Ecosystems are being characterised as goods and services to allow their valuation in monetary terms. This follows an orthodox economic approach to environmental values, but is also being undertaken by ecologists and conservation biologist. There appears a lack of clarity and debate as to the model of human behaviour, specific values and decision process being adopted. Arguments for ecosystems service valuation are critically appraised and the case for a model leading to value pluralism is presented. The outcome is to identify the need for value articulating processes which involve open deliberative judgment. In discussion of human motivations and judgement I make specific appeal to the works of philosopher Alan Holland.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Ecosystems; Economic valuation; Environmental values; Biodiversity; Conservation; Deliberation; Value pluralism; Preferences; Cost-benefit analysis; Public policy; Ethics
• Subjects: A - General Economics and Teaching > A1 - General Economics > A13 - Relation of Economics to Social Values; H - Public Economics > H4 - Publicly Provided Goods > H40 - General; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q2 - Renewable Resources and Conservation; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics > Q51 - Valuation of Environmental Effects; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics > Q57 - Ecological Economics: Ecosystem Services ; Biodiversity Conservation ; Bioeconomics ; Industrial Ecology; Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics > Q58 - Government Policy

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