Why Are Some Ecosystem Service Benefits Valued and Others Not?

Some ecosystem services are easier to value because they have a clear market price—for example, fish that are sold for income or tourist fees collected at marine parks. Other benefits, like clean water, cultural identity, or protection from cyclones, do not always have a “price tag” even though they are just as important. These non-market services can be harder to measure in monetary terms, so they are often left out of planning and budgeting. Recognising and trying to value these “difficult to value” benefits is essential to fully understand the true worth of ecosystems and to avoid underinvesting in their protection.

Ecosystem valuation in the Pacific

Highlighted ecosystem goods and services show that some ecosystem valuation was done in the Pacific.