Recreational, Cultural, and Aesthetic Services from Estuarine and Coastal Ecosystems

Abstract

SummaryThe role of economic analysis in guiding the sustainable development of estuarine and coastal ecosystems is investigated based on a comprehensive review of the literature on the valuation of the recreation, cultural and aesthetic services. The implications of the findings for the sustainable management of coral reefs, Marine Protected Areas, and Small Island Developing States are discussed. Finally, the potential of meta-analytical benefit transfer and scaling up of values at various aggregation levels is demonstrated in the context of coastal tourism and recreation in Europe. The results of the study support the conclusion that the non-material values provided by coastal and estuarine ecosystems in terms of recreational, cultural and aesthetic services represent a substantial component of human well-being. ABSTRACT: The role of economic analysis in guiding the sustainable development of estuarine and coastal ecosystems is investigated based on a comprehensive review

Socio-economic impacts of ocean acidification in the Mediterranean Sea

“…For example, jellyfish and harmful algal blooms may cause health problems for swimmers, and the reduction of red coral populations may affect recreational divers. The welfare impact associated with possible disruptions of these activities can be reflected by the contraction of market transactions but also remains in a great part outside the scope of market analysis [50]. In order to capture this hidden or non-market value, several techniques can be used: the travel cost method, through the observation of travel behavior of users; or contingent valuation and choice modelling, which assess behavior in hypothetical markets [51].…”

Review of Coast and Marine Ecosystems in Temperate Australia Demonstrates a Wealth of Ecosystem Services

“…Cultural and spiritual values have been widely acknowledged (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005;Sukhdev et al, 2010). However the identification of services for specific regions and their inclusion in valuation trade off discussions is rare (Tengberg et al, 2012), but where included have been shown to be important (Ghermandi et al, 2009).…”

Insight into cultural ecosystem services: comprehensive review through cluster analysis

“…In some publications (n=22), CES was discussed in general while others regarded it (n=23) as a specific type of ecosystem included in the classification of Millennium Ecosystem Assessment ( Figure 2). There were seven studies on coastal ecosystems (Fagerholm & Käyhkö, 2009;Gee & Burkhard, 2010;Lopez, et al, 2009;Baulcomb, et al, 2015;Morcillo, et al, 2013;Pleasant, et al, 2014;Ghermandi, et al, 2009) and two on urban systems (Andersson, et al, 2015;Sander & Haight, 2012). No studies on polar or island systems were found.…”