Developing and Influencing Economic Models and Analyses of Ecosystem Functioning and Ecosystems Services.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of York
Department Name: Environment
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| Jonathan Lovett (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | The central problem in developing and applying metrics for sustainability and payments for ecosystem services is not the methodology of creating a metric or value, but rather how that numerical indicator is inserted into the policy process. There are fundamental problems with using economics in development of governance arrangements for ecosystem services. Firstly, most environmental values are covered by inalienable entitlements based on moralisms. Secondly, it is difficult, if not impossible for environmental values to be made to commensurate with other societal values. Nonetheless, policy makers demand values, measures and indicators. There is much discussion of markets and direct payments. These approaches are now well embedded in the policy process and government agencies have cost-benefit obligations. However, the real question is how these values are actually used. In practise they act as a 'social coordination' device. An economist will provide a decision-making meeting with a cost benefit value. The value sits on the table and the meeting will negotiate around it, but the decision is made by political processes alone. It is the role of values in this process that it is of most interest in developing and influencing economic models and analyses of ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services. |
| Exploitation Route | The application of institutional economics to the ecosystem approach is applicable globally, for example we also used it in a DEFRA-funded Darwin Project in Mexico on payments for ecosystem services from the La Primavera biosphere reserve. Darwin Initiative project 17027 Market Based Scheme for Conservation in La Primavera Forest Mexico (2009-2012). http://www.darwininitiative.org.uk/project/17027/ |
| Sectors | Environment |
| URL | http://www.esrc.ac.uk/my-esrc/grants/RES-173-27-0074/read |
| Description | The research contributed to developing the environmental economics policy of Natural England and the ecosystem approach pilot schemes. This policy and approach is important because a healthy natural environment is indispensable to current and future economic prosperity - it is a vital part of the infrastructure of a successful modern economy. Conserving the natural environment is an efficient and effective way to deliver a wide range of benefits to society, but because many ecosystem services are not adequately reflected in our day-to-day decisions, they are all too often ignored. The pace of environmental degradation is accelerating in many cases and this is jeopardizing our ability to meet future challenges, such as coping with climate change and addressing concerns over food, water and energy security. Investing in a healthy natural environment is essential and an ecosystems approach can help tackle future challenges in a way that enhances prosperity. Innovative ecological, as well as technological, solutions have a vital role to play. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
| Sector | Environment |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal,Economic,Policy & public services |
| Description | Natural England Science Advisory Committee |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Advice on environmental economics to Natural England. |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/642689/science_advisory_co... |