Mapping ecosystem functions to the valuation of ecosystem services: implications of species–habitat associations for coastal land-use decisions

Abstract

Habitats and the ecosystem services they provide are part of the world's portfolio of natural capital assets. Like many components of this portfolio, it is difficult to assess the full economic value of these services, which tends to over-emphasize the value of extractive activities such as coastal development. Building on recent ecological studies of species-habitat linkages, we use a bioeconomic model to value multiple types of habitats as natural capital, using mangroves, sea grass, and coral reefs as our model system. We show how key ecological variables and processes, including obligate and facultative behaviors map into habitat values and how the valuation of these ecological processes can inform decisions regarding coastal development (habitat clearing). Our stylized modeling framework also provides a clear and concise road map for researchers interested in understanding how to make the link between ecosystem function, ecosystem service, and conservation policy decisions. Our findings also highlight the importance of additional ecological research into how species utilize habitats and that this research is not just important for ecological science, but it can and will influence ecosystem service values that, in turn, will impact coastal land-use decisions. While refining valuation methods is not necessarily going to lead to more rational coastal landuse decisions, it will improve our understanding on the ecological-economic mechanisms that contribute to the value of our natural capital assets.

Linking habitat mosaics and connectivity in a coral reef seascape

“…The functioning and resilience of coral reefs and the fisheries they support are directly linked to connectivity, both by dispersal and ontogenetic movement, within tropical seascapes (26). The ability to quantify the contributions of different nurseries to reef fish populations and identify important migration corridors is critical to identify management priorities (5) and parameterize models of habitat value (11,12) and metapopulation persistence (27). Our results are particularly timely given the increasing use of spatial management approaches, including networks of marine protected areas in coral reef ecosystems (21,28,29).…”

“…It is clear, however, that to effectively maintain functioning ecosystems and sustainable fisheries in structurally complex ocean ecosystems, management plans must conserve the functional integrity of ecosystems at the seascape level rather than focusing solely on individual habitat types. More generally, our approach provides a quantitative method for estimating the value of ecosystem services provided by distinctive habitats to fisheries yields within a seascape (11)(12)(13). This method will, in turn, allow for more accurate accounting of these services, including the assessment of suitable remediation requirements when these habitats are removed during tourism or aquaculture developments.…”

“…However, it has proved remarkably difficult to develop quantitative assessments of habitat use and movements among different habitat types for any reef fish species (10). This lack of quantitative data on seascape connectivity represents a major obstacle to marine spatial management (5) and attempts to value ecosystems services provided by coral reef habitats (11)(12)(13).…”

A Methodology to Map Ecosystem Functions to Support Ecosystem Services Assessments

“…The approach of mapping the ecosystem functions that underlie ecosystem services as a way forward to the eventual mapping of ecosystem services and their beneficiaries was adopted. Other researchers (Kremen andOstfield 2005, Sanchirico andMumby 2009) have highlighted the importance of understanding functional linkages between species and specific ecosystems and functional relationships between species for understanding ecosystem services.…”

Wetlands as natural assets

“…Maintains fishing, hunting and foraging activities Freeman (1991), Swallow (1994), Bell (1997), Barbier and Strand (1998), Janssen and Padilla (1999), Johnston et al (2002), Barbier (2007), Smith (2007), Aburto-Oropeza et al (2008), Sanchirico and Mumby (2009).…”