A valuation classification of ecosystem services

Abstract

Ecosystem services are the benefits that people receive from ecosystems (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). This definition, first of all, indicates the need for economic (value) identification of ecosystem services. The classification of ecosystem services requires a distinction between the concepts of «function» and «service». The concept of «function» expresses the capital (long-term) value of the ecosystem, and «ecosystem service» – its «current» production. An ecosystem service is a derivative of a «function», but not vice versa.