| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Objective: In recent years, many environmental economic valuation studies have been conducted without considering the spatial distribution of ecological goods and services, focusing instead on the existence of natural assets. Consequently, the estimated economic value is extended to the entire study area, which is not quite accurate, as different locations possess a diverse range of assets, goods, and services that should be categorized separately. Hence, in many cases, environmental assessments lack the necessary effectiveness in decision-making processes. The present study aims to estimate the economic value of multiple ecosystem goods and services in Semnan Province, Iran, with particular attention to their spatial distribution, offering a more accurate representation of ecological contributions across the region.
Method: In this study, eight ecosystem services, namely food supply, forage production, aquaculture, water production, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and habitat preservation, were quantified using GIS-InVEST-ROS models. Each service was then valued using appropriate methods, including the market price method, replacement cost method, social cost of carbon method, and benefit transfer method, based on the modeling outputs. Ultimately, to ensure the relevance of these estimates in current economic terms, adjustments were made using national inflation indicators, primarily the GDP deflator and domestic price indices.
Results: The results indicated that the total value of production services in Semnan Province amounted to USD 521,973,155.17, while the total value of other services, including regulatory, supporting, and cultural, was USD 8,677,364,627.58. In fact, 94.3 % of the total ecosystem service value in this province was attributed to non-production services. Habitat quality and carbon sequestration services had the highest and lowest economic values in the region, with USD 8,679,933,224.14 and USD -1,146,837.93, respectively. Additionally, the total annual economic value of selected ecosystem services in Semnan Province was estimated at USD 9,199,337,093.10.
Conclusions: The concept of ecosystem services can provide a useful tool for more integrated and sustainable planning, management, and restoration of degraded ecosystems. The application of an integrated economic-ecological valuation system, emphasizing the ecosystem services approach and incorporating the economic valuation of relevant services into the development and environmental protection decision-making processes, can outline a comprehensive framework for integrating valuation outcomes into decision-making. This integrative approach can lead to informed decision-making and a balance between development and environmental conservation. Based on the results, it is recommended that planners and policymakers pay attention to the value of ecosystem services in economic development programs and integrate ecosystem service valuation approaches into spatial planning within Semnan Province. This would ensure that ecological values are systematically considered in land use and development planning. |