Economic Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services: Methodology and Monetary Estimates

Aline Chiabai (), Chiara Travisi (), H. Ding, Anil Markandya and Paulo Nunes ()
Additional contact information
H. Ding: FEEM, and School for Advanced Studies in Venice Foundation, University of Venice
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Haiyan Ding and Helen (Hongyu) Ding ()

No 2009.12, Working Papers from Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei

Abstract: By using ad hoc value transfer protocols, this paper offers a methodological contribution and provides accurate per hectare estimates of the economic value of some selected ecosystem services for all forest biomes in the world, identified following the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment taxonomy MEA. The research also estimates potential total economic losses from policy inaction in year 2050. Final results show that total losses are significant. The total figure is €78 billion, the greatest losses coming from North America and Mexico, followed by Africa, Russia and some Asiatic countries. Most of this loss is attributable to provisioning services and carbon sequestration, while only a minor part is due to loss of cultural services. In terms of biomes the greatest losses are from boreal and warm mixed forests, followed by tropical forests. These results may be surprising to some who argue that it is the loss of tropical forests, particularly the Amazon, that is the most significant. A detailed analysis, shows, however, that this is not the case. The best estimates point to greater losses in areas where use and non-use values are highest, which includes North America.

Keywords: Forest; Ecosystem Services; Biodiversity; Valuation; Value Transfer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q23 Q26 Q51 Q54 Q57 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr, nep-env and nep-tur
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Related works:
Working Paper: Economic Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services: Methodology and Monetary Estimates (2009)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:fem:femwpa:2009.12

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