Topic Introduction

Forest ecosystem services provide for the well-being of local communities. To ensure that there is a healthy exchange between the people and the ecosystem, there is a need to identify and analyze the different types of values that could be associated to the latter. Doing so enables policymakers to create market-based mechanisms to support the provisions of these ecosystem services.

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Enumerate and explain the three sets of values that could be attached to ecosystem services;
• Differentiate the economic and non-economic valuation of ecosystem services; and
• Explain the relevance of valuing ecosystem services.

Topic Readings

Required Readings

• Zhang, D. and Stenger, A. (2014). Value and valuation of forest ecosystem services. Journal of Environmental Economics and Policy 1 (1): 1-12.
• Thapa, I., Stuart, H., Butchart, M., Gurung, H., Statterfield, A.J., Thomas, D.H.L., and Birch, J.C. (2014). Using information on ecosystem services in Nepal to inform biodiversity conservation and local to national decision-making. Fauna & Flora International, 1-9.
• Project Management Unit. (no date). Ecosystem Services (Brochure). Kathmandu, Nepal, pp. 1-6.
• Module 2 Notebook Download Module 2 Notebook

Optional Readings

• Millenium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Synthesis. Island Press, Washington, DC.
• Adhikari, S., Baral, H., and Nitschke, C.R. (2018). Identification, prioritization, and mapping of ecosystem services in the Panchase Mountain Ecological Region of Western Nepal. Forest 9 (554), p. 1-24.
• Masiero, M., D. Pettenella, M. Boscolo, S.K. Barua, I. Animon, and R. Matta. (2019). Valuing Forest Ecosystem Services: A training manual for planners and project developers. Rome: FAO.

Fundamental Concepts

• Instrumental values
• Intrinsic values
• Anthropocentric values
• Biocentric values
• Utilitarian values
• Deontological values
• Economic values

Video Lectures

Lesson 2.2 - 8 minutes

Note: To view Interactive Video on Lesson 2.2 (SCORM), use Firefox to access and open it.

Self-test Quiz

After viewing video lectures, take 10 minutes now to take the self-check quiz at Online Self-test 2.2.

Activities & Assignments

Online Discussions

Online Forum 2.2 -  Values of Ecosystem Services

Instructions

1. During the first three days of the week, comment on at least two of your peers’ (the same peers) updated posts where they classified the ecosystem services into the four types.
2. During days 4-7, after getting comments from your peers, improve your answers or respond to their comments.
3. In your new post, which includes the revised answers to 3.A and 3.B, add your answer to question 3.C. by using what you have learned in this topic.

Topic Summary

The topic introduced the concept of valuing ecosystem services and the different ES values. It also provides the basic understanding of the quantitative and qualitative ways of valuing ES.

Topic Self-review (Optional)

Use the following self-reflection questions as study guide to conduct your self-review for the topic.

1. In my own community, how are forest ecosystem services valued quantitatively?
2. In my own community, how are forest ecosystem services valued qualitatively?
3. Do I agree in the way by which forest ecosystem services are valued in my community?  Why or why not?