1.4.
The value of biodiversity
We value it because How do we value biodiversity? we like it Spiritual, and aesthetic values Functional value Ecosystem goods and services Economic value Existence and option value We value it because otherwise nature may not work as well If nature does not work, we will get in trouble too We value it because we want to make money of it
Painting by Ray Troll
We value it because we want it to exist (and maybe use it in the future)
Spiritual and aesthetic value
Quality of life Tourism Micro-climate Human habitat
Plant biomass (g m-2)
Functional value: productivity
Source: Loreau et al. (2001) Science 294:804-808
and stability
Ecosystem goods and services
Products and processes of natural ecosystems that sustain life and are critical to human welfare, e.g.
Food production (soil fertility, pollination, erosion control, fish production) Clean air and water Carbon fixation Natural fibers Pharmaceuticals
Source: Tilman et al. (2006) Nature 441:629-632
Human society
Impacts
An example from coastal ecosystems
Biodiversity
Genetic Species Ecosystem
Linkage
7% extinct
Ecosystem functioning
Carbon and nutrient cycling Primary and secondary productivity Food and habitat provision Transformation of waste products
Benefits
Linkage?
36% collapsed
Ecosystem services
Water and air quality control Soil and seafood production Tourism and recreation Ecosystem resilience
Source: Worm et al. 2006. Science 314:787-790
Loss of diversity
leads to loss of services
Source: Worm et al. 2006. Science 314:787-790
Source: Worm et al. 2006. Science 314:787-790
leads to increased risks
Oyster example
Removal of Oysters Algal blooms
Source: Worm et al. 2006. Science 314:787-790
How are services valuated?
Products:
Total market value per year Hedonic pricing Factor income
Economic value: long-term benefits
Natural habitats have typically larger longterm value, conversion larger shortterm benefits
Processes:
Avoided cost Replacement cost Contingency evaluation (willingness to pay)
Source: Balmford et al. (2002) Science 297:950-953
Weighing different services
Restoring diversity and services
Source: Barbier et al. (2008) Science 319:321-323
Source: Worm et al. 2006. Science 314:787-790
Economic value: Insurance function Insurance function
Salmon catch history in Bristol Bay, Alaska Cite Hilborn et record al. catches Many populations maintain over time, buffer effects of climatic changes
Biodiversity begets fisheries sustainability
More species Fewer collapses Faster recovery More predictable More productive
Source: Worm et al. 2006. Science 314:787-790
Source: Hilborn et al. 2003. PNAS 100:6564-6568
Existence and option value
Existence value: the value that people place on simply knowing that something exists, even if they will never see it or use it. Option value: the potential value of the resource for future (direct or indirect) use
Deep-sea hydrothermal vent field
Summing up
Biodiversity sustains a range of important ecosystem functions and services Ecosystem services are essential for human well-being The long-term economic benefits of biodiversity conservation are often substantial Economic and ethical arguments are both important for biodiversity conservation
Rain forest