Valuing Nature’s Services

Photo by Todd Cravens on Unsplash

Nature provides essential services that sustain life on Earth, yet these services are often overlooked in traditional economic systems. From carbon sequestration by forests and whales to the pollination provided by bees, ecosystems offer invaluable services that stabilize our climate, safeguard biodiversity, and secure food systems. Despite their importance, these services remain largely unaccounted for in financial markets.

How do we value what we cannot see?

While it is necessary to quantify the value of nature to inform policy and investment, we must also recognize that true humanity lies in our spiritual and conscious connection with the environment. This holistic understanding of our interconnectedness with nature must guide our conservation efforts. Beyond the numbers, we must foster a deeper sense of stewardship, recognizing that every action we take reverberates through the natural world.

What is the cost of forgetting we are part of nature?

Historically, conservation efforts have centered on moral and ethical appeals, which, while important, often fall short in influencing policy and financial decision-making. Assigning an economic value to ecosystem services can bridge this gap by making the financial cost of ecosystem destruction clear and tangible.

Whales, Elephants & Mangroves — who has more values?

1. Whales enhance phytoplankton growth, which absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide. The value of this service is estimated to be over $2 million per whale during its lifetime.
2. Elephants play a crucial role in maintaining savanna ecosystems by dispersing seeds, a service valued at up to $1.8 million per elephant.
3. Mangrove forests protect coastlines and sequester carbon, with their value estimated at $194,000 per hectare.

Obviously it was a tricky question, and as you understand there is no escape from quantifying these services and integrating them into financial markets to incentivize governments, businesses, and communities to conserve ecosystems.

The table below illustrates the estimated economic contributions of key species and ecosystems, highlighting the need to integrate their value into global financial systems.

Estimated economic contributions of key species and ecosystems

The table highlights the ecological and economic contributions of various species and ecosystems, focusing on their roles in carbon sequestration and ecosystem services. While most entries include estimated monetary values, species like bees are marked as “priceless” to emphasize their unique, immeasurable contributions to the health and balance of the planet.

To better understand the numbers, look at this graph:

Graph: visualizing the carbon sequestration contributions of key species and ecosystems.

Mangroves: A Natural Ally in Carbon Sequestration

Mangrove forests are among the most productive and ecologically valuable ecosystems on the planet. Found in coastal regions, these unique trees thrive in saline environments and provide numerous ecological services. Despite covering less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, mangroves contribute significantly to global carbon storage, capturing up to 1,023 tons of CO₂ per hectare. Their root systems not only act as powerful carbon sinks but also stabilize coastlines, reducing erosion and protecting against storm surges.

Key Contributions of Mangroves:

1. Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves store three to four times more carbon per hectare than most terrestrial forests.
2. Coastal Protection: Their dense root systems mitigate the impact of waves and storms, shielding coastal communities.
3. Marine Biodiversity: Mangroves serve as nurseries for many marine species, supporting biodiversity and local fisheries.
4. Water Filtration: They filter pollutants and improve water quality, benefiting both marine and terrestrial life.

Mangroves’ value transcends ecological benefits — they are essential for sustainable development and climate resilience. However, these ecosystems are under threat from deforestation and coastal development, emphasizing the need for global conservation efforts.

Implementing the Strategy

Inspired by pioneering initiatives like The Treegens and Global Forest Generation, here is a framework for accelerating nature-based solutions:

1. Community-Led Reforestation: Projects like The Treegens empower local communities to restore ecosystems, ensuring that conservation benefits both people and nature. Integrating this model into mangrove restoration can enhance community resilience while expanding coastal greenbelts.
2. Global Collaboration: Global Forest Generation emphasizes scalable reforestation strategies that bring together governments, NGOs, and private sectors. Similarly, international coalitions can fund and manage large-scale mangrove restoration projects.
3. Technology-Driven Monitoring: Use advanced tools like drones, satellite imagery, and MRV systems to monitor mangrove health and carbon sequestration. These technologies ensure transparency and efficiency in conservation efforts.
4. Carbon Markets and Trust Funds: Mangrove restoration can be funded through carbon credits, creating financial incentives for conservation. Establishing trust funds ensures long-term support for maintenance and local community development.
5. Education and Awareness: Promote the importance of mangroves through education campaigns and advocacy, encouraging local participation and global investment in conservation.

Call to Action

Projects like The Treegens and Global Forest Generation demonstrate the power of collective action and innovation. Mangroves hold immense potential to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities. By implementing holistic strategies inspired by these initiatives, we can ensure a future where both ecosystems and societies thrive.

As above,so below

Valuing nature’s services is more than an economic exercise-it is a vital strategy for ensuring the longevity of our planet’s ecosystems. Establishing markets and trust funds dedicated to ecosystem services will not only preserve biodiversity but also provide sustainable financial models for communities. By recognizing and honoring the intrinsic value of nature, we can secure its benefits for future generations, fostering a sustainable and harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

References

• Chami, R., Cosimano, T., Fullenkamp, C., & Oztosun, S. (2019). Nature’s Solution to Climate Change: A Strategy to Protect Whales Can Limit Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming. IMF Finance & Development.
• Costanza, R., et al. (1997). The Value of the World’s Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital. Nature.
• Dasgupta, P. (2021). The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review. HM Treasury.
• Duarte, C.M., et al. (2021). Blue Carbon: The Role of Healthy Oceans in Binding Carbon. Nature.
• Global Forest Generation. (2025). Scaling Solutions for Global Reforestation. IPBES. (2019). Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
• The Treegens. (2025). Empowering Community-Driven Ecosystem Restoration.
• UNEP. (2020). The Role of Mangroves in Mitigating Climate Change.
• World Bank Group. (2021). The Economic Case for Nature.