Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/53360 
Year of Publication: 
2009
Series/Report no.: 
Nota di Lavoro No. 12.2009
Publisher: 
Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM), Milano
Abstract: 
By using ad hoc value transfer protocols, this paper offers a methodological contribution and provides accurate per hectare estimates of the economic value of some selected ecosystem services for all forest biomes in the world, identified following the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment taxonomy MEA. The research also estimates potential total economic losses from policy inaction in year 2050. Final results show that total losses are significant. The total figure is €78 billion, the greatest losses coming from North America and Mexico, followed by Africa, Russia and some Asiatic countries. Most of this loss is attributable to provisioning services and carbon sequestration, while only a minor part is due to loss of cultural services. In terms of biomes the greatest losses are from boreal and warm mixed forests, followed by tropical forests. These results may be surprising to some who argue that it is the loss of tropical forests, particularly the Amazon, that is the most significant. A detailed analysis, shows, however, that this is not the case. The best estimates point to greater losses in areas where use and non-use values are highest, which includes North America.
Subjects: 
Forest
Ecosystem Services
Biodiversity
Valuation
Value Transfer
JEL: 
O13
Q23
Q26
Q51
Q54
Q57
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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