A framework for valuing spatially targeted peatland restoration

Glenk, K., Schaafsma, M., Moxey, A., Martin-Ortega, J. and Hanley, N. (2014) A framework for valuing spatially targeted peatland restoration. Ecosystem Services, 9, pp. 20-33. (doi: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2014.02.008)

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Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that the degree of degradation of peatlands is substantial, and that there is a significant potential to enhance the delivery of a wide range of ecosystem services by investing in peatland restoration. However, little is known about the social welfare impacts of peatland restoration and in particular how to spatially target restoration activities to maximise net benefits from investments in restoration. This paper investigates the steps required to conduct a spatially explicit economic impact assessment of peatland restoration, and highlights and discusses key requirements and issues associated with such an assessment. We find that spatially explicit modelling of the biophysical impacts of restoration over time is challenging due to non-linear effects and interaction effects. This has repercussions for the spatially explicit assessment of costs and benefits, which in itself is a demanding task. We conclude that the gains of investing in the research needed to conduct such an assessment can be high, both in terms of advancing science and in terms of providing useful information for decision makers.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This research was partially funded by the Scottish Government Rural Affairs and the Environment Portfolio Strategic Research Programme 2011–2016, Theme 1 (Environmental Change: Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity) and Theme 3 (Environmental Change: Land Use); and by the Scottish Government through its Centre of Expertise Climate Change: Mitigation – Peatland Restoration Project.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hanley, Professor Nicholas
Authors: Glenk, K., Schaafsma, M., Moxey, A., Martin-Ortega, J., and Hanley, N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Ecosystem Services
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:2212-0416
Published Online:24 March 2014

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