The Economics of Rural and Agricultural Ecosystem Services: Purism versus Practicality

摘要: Ecosystem goods and services (we henceforth refer to these solely as "services"] have been defined in general terms the outputs of natural systems that benefit society (Daily 1997, Millennium Assessment 2005] or, more precisely, "the flows from an ecosystem are relatively immediate humans occur naturally" (Brown et al. 2 0 7, p. 3 4]. Economists long recognized capacity provide market nonmarket benefits. Models quantify benefits existed for decades (Krutilla 1967], The recent concept provides alternative framework through which values may be conceptualized communicated. Among factors distinguish service traditional economic analysis, at least principle, is a fundamental multidisciplinary focus, including emphasis on both ecological production value (Johnston forthcoming, Wainger Mazzotta 2011], perspective also seeks provided by ecosystems those human capital, labor, technology, thereby providing direct (Bateman 2011, Brown 2007, Johnston Russell 2011],One advantage its resonance with noneconomists, ecologists others who study biophysical processes produce outcomes valued Carpenter 2009, Daily 1997], means link changes effects social welfare, facilitating cost-benefit analysis policies projects affecting (Wainger Research this area typically tradeoffs promote efficient or socially beneficial policy outcomes. In part due attractive features, there has exponential rise number published papers related topics (Fisher etal. 2009] numerous calls incorporate information analyses (e.g., 2005, President's Council Advisors Science Technology Environmental Protection Agency 2009],Rural Agricultural ServicesMuch targeted linked some way rural agricultural ecosystems. These rely upon broad array (Dale Polasky Swinton 2007], Bergstrom Ready (2009] reviewed two research estimating amenity United States, many services. Parallel themes appear economics preservation nonagricultural lands Swallow 2006], multifunctional agriculture movement States Europe similarly recognizes beyond food, fiber, fuel, functions agro-ecosystems (Batie 2003, Boody Duke 2010], Examples include provision nutrient cycling, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, recreational opportunities. As heavily managed land use, source recipient disservices-effects directly indirectly diminish welfare.1Because disservices realized outside organized markets, often unrecognized underappreciated (Swinton Lack recognition markets among primary causes marketfailure threats sustainability (e. …