Global estimates of the value of ecosystems and their services in monetary units

Summary

This global systematic review synthesised over 320 publications covering ecosystem service valuations across 10 major biomes, coding approximately 1,350 value estimates into a searchable database. The analysis demonstrates that ecosystem services provide considerable value—ranging from 490 to 350,000 int$/ha/year depending on biome type—and that most of this value exists outside market mechanisms as non-tradable public goods. The authors argue that better accounting for these externalities is essential for sustainable ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation, particularly given that land-use conversion typically destroys or severely diminishes these services.

Regional applicability

Although the study is global in scope, UK application would depend on context-specific valuation of domestic ecosystem services and land-use policy. The findings support the evidence base underpinning UK Natural Capital accounting and policy frameworks such as Environmental Land Management schemes, where recognition of non-marketed ecosystem service values is increasingly central to subsidy and conservation design.

Key measures

Ecosystem service values in international dollars per hectare per year (int$/ha/year); monetary valuation of services across biomes including provisioning, regulating, and cultural services

Outcomes reported

The study quantified monetary values of ecosystem services across 10 major biomes using a database of 1,350 value estimates from over 320 publications. Values ranged from 490 int$/hectare/year for open oceans to approximately 350,000 int$/hectare/year for coral reefs.

Supporting research

Exact published article PDF contains ecosystem-service valuation tables for food provision, soil fertility, erosion prevention, pollination and biological control. Its database/method synthesis has concrete food/soil application.

Limits: Valuation synthesis across10biomes with contextual uncertainty and sparse cultivated-land evidence. Monetary service estimates are not biological effect sizes, market prices, causal farm outcomes or universal transferable values.

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