naturresursvärdering

Naturresursvärdering, or natural resource valuation, is the process of assigning economic value to natural resources. This includes tangible resources like timber, minerals, water, and land, as well as intangible services provided by ecosystems, such as air purification, climate regulation, and recreation. The primary goal is to integrate the value of nature into decision-making processes, whether for policy development, business investment, or environmental management.

Various methodologies are employed in natural resource valuation. Market-based approaches are used when a resource has an established market, like timber prices. Non-market valuation techniques are necessary for resources without direct market prices. These can include contingent valuation, which uses surveys to gauge willingness to pay, and travel cost methods, which estimate value based on how much people spend to access a natural area. Ecosystem service valuation focuses on quantifying the benefits humans derive from ecological processes.

The outcomes of natural resource valuation can inform environmental impact assessments, guide sustainable resource management practices, and support the development of economic incentives for conservation. It helps to highlight the economic significance of natural capital, which is often overlooked in traditional economic accounting. By understanding the economic value of nature, stakeholders can make more informed choices that balance economic development with environmental protection.