A framework for the social valuation of ecosystem services

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Social Science
• Ecosystem Services Valuation

Background:

• Ecological and economic methods for ecosystem services assessment are well-defined.
• The social approach to ecosystem services valuation lacks clear methodologies.
• Current literature often conflates cultural ecosystem services with the entire social approach and includes economic valuation based on social preferences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify reasons for the lack of clarity in the social approach to ecosystem services valuation.
• To propose a novel framework for the social valuation of ecosystem services.
• To support decision-making in land planning and management by providing clear valuation methods.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current trends in social ecosystem services valuation.
• Development of a framework incorporating spatial-temporal flows and diverse stakeholder inclusion.
• Utilizing two complementary methods for valuing ecosystem services.

Main Results:

• Identified key limitations in current social valuation approaches.
• The proposed framework offers alternatives to purely economic valuation methods.
• The framework facilitates cross-study comparisons and aids land management decisions.

Conclusions:

• A clear framework is needed to advance the social valuation of ecosystem services.
• The proposed framework enhances the social approach by integrating diverse perspectives and methods.
• Practical application of the framework provides valuable recommendations for land planning and management.