Valuing of Ecosystems
The management of ecosystems depends heavily on what value is placed on them.
There are five main categories of reason for the protection and management of ecosystem.
There are five main categories of reason for the protection and management of ecosystem.
Utility Values
The utility value of an ecosystem refers to the economic value the ecosystem can provide. Utility values rely on the natural resources within a ecosystem that have accountable value. For example, in the period 2006– 2008, Tourism WA estimates the annual domestic visitor expenditure was $162 million with the annual international visitor expenditure estimated to be $29.5 million meaning that Ningaloo Reef can generate a utility value from tourism of approximately 191.5 million (Gascoyne Development Commission, 2009).
Ecosystem biodiversity also remain largely undocumented with some 86% of existing species on Earth and 91% of species in the ocean still awaiting description (Mora, C. et al, 2011). This means that poor management and species loss could result in a disastrous loss of unknown or potential utility value. Potential cures for cancers, obesity and other ailments may be awaiting discovery. The Hoodia Cactus of South Africa is an example of plant species that could be developed into an obesity treatment of enormous value.
Lastly, the utility value of ecosystems should also factor in the eco-services. The ecological services of the world's ecosystems were estimated to be worth US$33 Trillion dollars (Costanza, R. et. al. 1997). The value of eco-services is closely related to the opportunity cost of ecosystems, or the value of the option foregone (Sukhdev, 2011). For example, 75% of commercial fish species in Australia spend some part of their life cycle within mangroves. While mangroves may provide no utility value themselves, there is a very large eco-service value from their nursery function and an opportunity cost posed by leaving the mangroves in place.
Ecosystem biodiversity also remain largely undocumented with some 86% of existing species on Earth and 91% of species in the ocean still awaiting description (Mora, C. et al, 2011). This means that poor management and species loss could result in a disastrous loss of unknown or potential utility value. Potential cures for cancers, obesity and other ailments may be awaiting discovery. The Hoodia Cactus of South Africa is an example of plant species that could be developed into an obesity treatment of enormous value.
Lastly, the utility value of ecosystems should also factor in the eco-services. The ecological services of the world's ecosystems were estimated to be worth US$33 Trillion dollars (Costanza, R. et. al. 1997). The value of eco-services is closely related to the opportunity cost of ecosystems, or the value of the option foregone (Sukhdev, 2011). For example, 75% of commercial fish species in Australia spend some part of their life cycle within mangroves. While mangroves may provide no utility value themselves, there is a very large eco-service value from their nursery function and an opportunity cost posed by leaving the mangroves in place.
Heritage Values
Heritage values can arise from either biological heritage or cultural heritage.
Every ecosystem provides a link to the past and forms a record of evolution.
Cultural heritage can come from the requirements of cultures to use the ecosystem. For example, the indigenous cultures of Ningaloo reef require dugong and turtle hunting to continue their cultural practices. Similarly, Badu wetlands provides evidence of Sydney's industrial heritage.
Every ecosystem provides a link to the past and forms a record of evolution.
Cultural heritage can come from the requirements of cultures to use the ecosystem. For example, the indigenous cultures of Ningaloo reef require dugong and turtle hunting to continue their cultural practices. Similarly, Badu wetlands provides evidence of Sydney's industrial heritage.
Biodiversity Values
Biodiversity can refer to ecosystem diversity, species diversity or genetic diversity. However, these all relate to the variety of life present on Earth. The Earth's approximately 9 million living species form an insurance policy against change. However, biodiversity must be protected.
Australia is home to large numbers of species that occur nowhere else in the world. Over 80% of our plants and mammals, and 45% of our birds live only here. Australia is identified as one of the world’s 17 “megadiverse” countries. The concept of megadiversity is based on the total number of species in a country and the degree of endemism, or the extent to which organisms are unique to that country. Together, these 17 countries harbour more than 70% of the Earth’s species. (WWF, 2016)
Australia is home to large numbers of species that occur nowhere else in the world. Over 80% of our plants and mammals, and 45% of our birds live only here. Australia is identified as one of the world’s 17 “megadiverse” countries. The concept of megadiversity is based on the total number of species in a country and the degree of endemism, or the extent to which organisms are unique to that country. Together, these 17 countries harbour more than 70% of the Earth’s species. (WWF, 2016)
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The Need to Allow Natural Change to Proceed
Ecosystems are dynamic in nature. They shift and change and will continue to do so regardless of what human activities take place around them. A good example of this is the erosion and deposition functions that take place on coasts and dunes.
Ningaloo provide a congregation site for whale sharks and a breeding ground for turtle species. Both of these have a range of unknown behaviours. The preservation of sites within Ningaloo is one way in which an ecosystem can be preserved in the face of such uncertainty.
Badu Intertidal Wetlands provides a site for erosion and deposition of sediments.
Ningaloo provide a congregation site for whale sharks and a breeding ground for turtle species. Both of these have a range of unknown behaviours. The preservation of sites within Ningaloo is one way in which an ecosystem can be preserved in the face of such uncertainty.
Badu Intertidal Wetlands provides a site for erosion and deposition of sediments.
Intrinsic Values
Intrinsic values are those things that have no tangible benefit.
The peaceful feelings that can be gained from strolling though an ecosystem or snorkelling with whale sharks are examples of intrinsic values.
Intrinsic values also include the inherent right of an ecosystem to exist. Although ecosystems are without voice, they deserve protection and respect.
The peaceful feelings that can be gained from strolling though an ecosystem or snorkelling with whale sharks are examples of intrinsic values.
Intrinsic values also include the inherent right of an ecosystem to exist. Although ecosystems are without voice, they deserve protection and respect.