Assessment of the difference in ecosystem services between ecologically and conventionally managed ponds: An empirical study from the South Bohemia region, Czech Republic

Jiří Schneider and Gabriela Chmelíková
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Jiří Schneider: Department of Environmental Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
Gabriela Chmelíková: Department of Regional and Business Economics, Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic

Agricultural Economics, 2025, vol. 71, issue 10, 564-578

Abstract: The aim of this article is to demonstrate the difference in the production of ecosystem services depending on the management method using a selected sample of fishponds from the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic and subsequently monetarily to assess this difference. Using 16 fishponds over a 10-year period, the research evaluates key services such as biodiversity conservation, water purification, and fish production, employing the opportunity cost of foregone profits methodology. The results reveal that ecologically managed fishponds provide enhanced ecosystem services at a financial trade-off, with an average annual profit difference of EUR 142 per hectare compared to conventional management. This trade-off translates to a present value of EUR 1 288 per hectare over a decade, reflecting the additional societal value of ecosystem services from ecological management. The findings underscore the economic and ecological challenges faced by stakeholders, particularly fish farmers, in balancing conservation goals with economic viability.

Keywords: biodiversity conservation; ecosystem services; fishpond management intensity; nature's contributions to people; opportunity costs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:caa:jnlage:v:71:y:2025:i:10:id:497-2024-agricecon

DOI: 10.17221/497/2024-AGRICECON

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