scholarly journals Ecoturismo na região turística Caminho dos Ipês: conexões entre identidade biofílica e usufruto dos serviços ecossistêmicos

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Mamede ◽  
Maristela Benites ◽  
José Sabino ◽  
Cleber José Rodrigues Alho
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Visitor Perceptions ◽  
Tourist Region ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

O turismo de contato com a natureza, quando adequadamente planejado e delineado com princípios de sustentabilidade, pode gerar benefícios socioeconômicos e ambientais que resultam na conservação da sociobiodiversidade. Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a percepção dos visitantes da rota turística Caminho dos Ipês, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil e sua motivação para a prática do ecoturismo nessa região. A investigação foi desenvolvida no período de maio de 2016 a abril de 2017. Para a coleta de dados foi aplicado um formulário semiestruturado que buscou identificar o perfil dos visitantes, os municípios mais visitados, a motivação para a visitação, as práticas consideradas ecoturísticas, os atrativos mais valorizados, os elementos da biodiversidade com os quais tiveram maior afinidade e o comprometimento com a conservação dos locais visitados. Os 118 turistas/excursionistas (60,3% mulheres e 39,7% homens) foram originários de 22 cidades brasileiras e de outros dois países (Argentina e Bélgica). Constatou-se que a capital Campo Grande é uma cidade-chave para roteiros integrados de ecoturismo na região devido à localização geográfica, capacidade logística e riqueza em atrativos naturais. Foi registrado que 95% dos visitantes dessa região turística se consideram comprometidos com a conservação e proteção das áreas visitadas. Entre as motivações para a prática do ecoturismo em áreas naturais constata-se uma convergência entre biofilia e valorização dos serviços ecossistêmicos oferecidos pela natureza. O bem-estar provocado por vivenciar os ambientes naturais foi o motivo mais abordado pelos visitantes para a prática do ecoturismo (53,4%), seguido da percepção de sentir-se parte integrante da natureza (50,8%). Os participantes afirmaram que suas preferências ao visitarem áreas naturais em geral são: paisagem (59,3%), água: corredeiras e cachoeiras (48,3%), aves (39,8%), mamíferos (27,1%) e répteis (16,9%). No entanto, o que mais os atraíram para a região turística Caminho dos Ipês foram: riqueza de animais silvestres (44,9%), abundância de água (37,2%), as características do bioma Cerrado (36,4%) e o relevo (30,5%). As práticas mais exercidas nos ambientes naturais visitados foram: contemplação (47,4%), fotografia (39%), observação da vida silvestre (33%), caminhada (33%) e birdwatching (18,6%). Conclui-se que o ecoturismo pode ser uma estratégia positiva para gerar e aprimorar vínculos afetivos com a natureza, bem como para reconhecer e valorizar os serviços ecossistêmicos. Ecotourism in the tourist region Caminho dos Ipês: connections between biophilic identity and use of ecosystem services ABSTRACT The tourism of contact with nature, when properly planned and outlined with principles of sustainability, can generate socio-economic and environmental benefits that result in conservation of sociobiodiversity. The objective of this work was to analyze the perception of the visitors of the Caminho dos Ipês tourist route, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and their motivation to practice ecotourism in this region. The research was carried out from May 2016 to April 2017. A semistructured questionnaire survey was applied to collect data, which sought to identify the profile of visitors, the most visited municipality, the motivation for visitation and practices considered ecotourism, the attractions more valued, the elements of biodiversity with which they had greater affinity and the compromise with the conservation of the visited places. The 118 tourists/excursionists (60.3% women and 39.7% men) originated in 22 Brazilian cities and two other countries (Argentina and Belgium). It was found that the capital Campo Grande is a key city for integrated ecotourism itineraries in the region due to its geographic location, logistic capacity and richness in natural attractions. We recorded that 95% of the visitors of this tourist region consider themselves committed to the conservation and protection of the areas visited. Among the motivations for the practice of ecotourism in natural areas is a convergence between biophilia and appreciation of ecosystem services offered by nature. The well-being generated by experiencing natural environments was the reason most approached by visitors for the practice of ecotourism (53.4%), followed by the perception of pertencing of nature (50.8%). The participants stated that their preferences when visiting natural areas in general are: landscape (59.3%), water: rapids waters and waterfalls (48.3%), birds (39.8%), mammals (27.1%) and reptiles (16.9%). However, what attracted them to the Caminho dos Ipês region were: wild animal wealth (44.9%), abundance of water (37.2%), characteristics of the Cerrado biome (36.4%) and relief (30.5%). The most practiced practices in the natural environments visited were: contemplation (47.4%), photography (39%), wildlife observation (33%), trekking (33%) and birdwatching (18.6%). It is concluded that ecotourism can be a positive strategy to generate and improve affective bonds with nature, as well as to recognize and value ecosystem services. KEYWORDS: Biophilia; Visitor Perceptions; Contemplative Tourism; Natural Environments; Mato Grosso do Sul.

scholarly journals Parasites of Zoonotic Interest Detected in Felis catus domesticus in Midwestern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-33
Author(s):  
Stephanie Ballatore Holland Lins ◽  
Maria Elizabeth Cavalheiros Dorval ◽  
Elenir Rose Jardim Cury Pontes ◽  
Ana Paula Antunes Nogueira ◽  
Eduardo de Castro Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Aelurostrongylus Abstrusus ◽  
Parasitic Species ◽  
Dipylidium Caninum ◽  
Parasitic Zoonoses ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

Interactions between humans and animals can be considerably beneficial to human well-being, and the demand for domestic cats as pets has increased in recent years. Despite these benefits, however, cats may  contribute to environmental dissemination of zoonotic pathogens, with potential risks to human health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and diversity of feline parasites of zoonotic interest in Campo Grande, the capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwestern Brazil, where studies on feline parasitic fauna remain scarce. Fecal samples from 210 male and female cats of varying ages, sheltered at the local Center for Zoonosis Control, were examined. Spontaneous and ether centrifugal sedimentation were used to detect the parasites, found in 149 animals (71.0%), 93 (62.4%) of which were infected with a single parasitic species and 56 (37.6%) with two or more species. Ten parasitic species were detected, where Ancylostoma sp. was the most frequent (65.2%), followed by Platynosomum concinnum (21.0%), Cystoisospora sp. (7.1%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (1.9%), Strongyloides sp. (1.9%), Dipylidium caninum (1.4%), Giardia sp. (1.0%), Toxocara sp. (1.0%), Physaloptera praeputialis (1.0%), and Sarcocystis sp. (0.5%). The results obtained are relevant to human and veterinary public health policies and demonstrate the cats’ role in the transmission chain of parasitic zoonoses, particularly in urban areas. The findings can also serve to raise awareness among veterinarians and cat owners on the importance of preventive interventions to ensure healthier cohabitation with pets by reducing human exposure to cat borne parasites in urban areas.   Keywords: Zoonoses. Felines. Helminths. Protozoa. One Health. Resumo As interações entre humanos e animais podem ser consideravelmente benéficas para o bem-estar humano, e a demanda por gatos domésticos como animais de estimação aumentou nos últimos anos. Apesar desses benefícios, no entanto, os gatos podem contribuir para a disseminação ambiental de patógenos zoonóticos, com riscos potenciais para a saúde humana. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência e diversidade de parasitos de interesse zoonótico em felinos de Campo Grande, capital do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, no Centro-Oeste do Brasil, onde estudos sobre a fauna parasitária felina permanecem escassos. Foram examinadas amostras fecais de 210 gatos machos e fêmeas de idades variadas, abrigados no Centro de Controle de Zoonoses local. Sedimentação espontânea e sedimentação por centrifugação em éter foram utilizadas para detectar os parasitos, encontrados em 149 animais (71,0%), 93 (62,4%) dos quais foram infectados com uma única espécie parasitária e 56 (37,6%) com duas ou mais espécies. Foram detectadas dez espécies parasitárias, sendo Ancylostoma sp. o mais frequente (65,2%), seguido por Platynosomum concinnum (21,0%), Cystoisospora sp. (7,1%), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (1,9%), Strongyloides sp. (1,9%), Dipylidium caninum (1,4%), Giardia sp. (1,0%), Toxocara sp. (1,0%), Physaloptera praeputialis (1,0%) e Sarcocystis sp. (0,5%). Os resultados obtidos são relevantes para as políticas de saúde pública humana e veterinária e demonstram o papel dos gatos na cadeia de transmissão das zoonoses parasitárias, principalmente nas áreas urbanas. As descobertas também podem servir para conscientizar os veterinários e donos de gatos da importância de intervenções preventivas para garantir uma coabitação mais saudável com animais de estimação, reduzindo a exposição humana a parasitos transmitidos por gatos em áreas urbanas.   Palavras-chave:  Zoonoses. Felinos. Helmintos. Protozoários. Saúde Única.

scholarly journals Overview of University Actions Aimed at The Nutrition of Two Indigenous Communities In The Interior of The State of Mato Grosso Do Sul – Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-178
Author(s):  
Luis Henrique Almeida Castro ◽  
Diego Bezerra de Souza ◽  
Geanlucas Mendes Monteiro ◽  
Gildiney Penaves de Alencar ◽  
João Vitor Alves dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Policies ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
The State ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Food Practices ◽  
Adequate Food ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

The diet composed of adequate food is reported in the literature as one of the aspects of health promotion and maintenance, and it is the duty and obligation of the State to promote public policies that seek to meet these needs of the population. However, due to a number of factors, the minority or vulnerable populations end up not benefiting from a good part of the projects in force in Brazil. Thus, this work aimed to conduct a case study with two indigenous communities living in the interior of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, listing the main points related to food practices, evaluation of the state of health in force and measures that help adherence to good food practices. The largest target audience was children from 0 (zero) to 12 (twelve) years, totaling 190 (one hundred and ninety), followed by newborns and puerperals who totaled 14 (fourteen) family nuclei and the elderly population of the community, which totaled 15 (fifteen). The service team was composed of Nutritionist, Health Agent, Social Worker and Nutrition Intern professionals. Several activities were developed, occurring according to the public attended during the different days of visit in the villages, mainly home visits, community actions such as vaccination campaigns, lectures and collective guidance. It is concluded that the measures adopted in public policies related to feeding the indigenous community is a powerful tool to provide the benefits for a better quality of life, well-being and maintenance of the health of indigenous peoples.

scholarly journals Nature conservation, indigenous rights, and settler colonialism: the politics of payments for ecosystem services in Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil)

2021 ◽  
pp. 5-39
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Eimer ◽  
Maliene Kip
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Political Ecology ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Settler Colonialism ◽  
Indigenous Rights ◽  
Payments For Ecosystem Services ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Brazilian Province ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

Payments for ecosystem services (PES) are strongly criticized by political ecology scholars. Predominantly, their critique is rooted in notions of distributive justice, as they focus on the negative impact (e.g. land rights distribution) of PES for indigenous and other local communities. Many liberal supporters of PES do not deny that these problems are real. However, they put more emphasis on procedural justice and claim that PES may trigger an institutionalization of more inclusive dialogic procedures. As of yet, both strands of literature underestimate the impact of the postcolonial conditions in which many Pes projects are situated. This is where our article steps in. We investigate initial PES politics in Mato Grosso do Sul, a Brazilian province dominated by ongoing settler colonialism. Our research results indicate that the implementation of inclusive procedures in PES projects may partially mitigate the consequences of ongoing settler colonialism but that this more frequently fails because of its being embedded into the structures of a colonially shaped political economy. Although PES occasionally empower indigenous actors to confront local elites more effectively and strengthen the rights of indigenous women, the resulting transformations within the communities themselves are likely to weaken their political self-organization.

Implications of Urban Sustainability, Socio-Ecosystems, and Ecosystem Services

2020 ◽  
pp. 31-53
Author(s):  
José G. Vargas-Hernández ◽  
Karina M. Pallagst
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Urban Sustainability ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Green Growth ◽  
Infrastructure Design ◽  
Literature Reviews

This chapter aims to analyze the implications that urban sustainability, socio-ecosystems, and ecosystem services have as the bases to design the urban green growth strategies. The method used is the analytic based on the theoretical and conceptual literature reviews on the topics described. Urban sustainability and environmental performance integrates biodiversity and socio-ecosystems for the provision of better quality ecosystem services supported by green infrastructure design into the green projects aimed to achieve economic and environmental benefits. It is concluded that the ecosystem services and human well-being may suffer irreversible severe declines if sustainability is not built based on biodiversity of socio ecosystems, green infrastructure, and natural capital.

scholarly journals Do both habitat and species diversity provide cultural ecosystem services? A trial using geo-tagged photos

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 61-77
Author(s):  
Takeshi Osawa ◽  
Yusuke Ueno ◽  
Takaaki Nishida ◽  
Jun Nishihiro
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Species Diversity ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Habitat Structure ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Cultural Ecosystem Services ◽  
Human Preference

Conservation for both biodiversity and ecosystem services are an important issue worldwide. However, knowledge of their relationship remains limited. As habitat structure is strongly related to regional biodiversity, we studied cultural ecosystem services by using habitat structure as a proxy for biodiversity. Specifically, we used human preference, assessed by using photos with location information (i.e. geo-tagged digital pictures) as an index of a cultural ecosystem service. We conducted nature walks in semi-natural environments for cognitively-impaired students from a local special school and studied the photos they took during the walks. We analysed the habitat preferences inferred from the photo locations and the composition of the photos—whether they were close-up, scenic or landscape views. The results showed that levels of human preference and biodiversity, indicated by habitat structure, had a positive relationship. During spring to autumn, when levels of biological activity are higher, people tended to show more preference in close-up views (i.e. the subject of the photo was the species itself). In winter, they tended to be interested in scenic views that were not strongly influenced by species diversity. Additionally, photos taken in areas with threatened species almost always included close-up views, although not of the threatened species themselves. Areas with high species diversity therefore appeared to be more appealing to the participants. These results suggest that habitat diversity could not only contribute to biodiversity, but also provide cultural ecosystem services. Habitat conservation for semi-natural environments could be synergised for both biodiversity conservation and general human well-being.

Ecosystem Services and Human Health

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabet Lindgren ◽  
Thomas Elmqvist
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Increased Risk

Ecosystem services refer to benefits for human societies and well-being obtained from ecosystems. Research on health effects of ecosystem services have until recently mostly focused on beneficial effects on physical and mental health from spending time in nature or having access to urban green space. However, nearly all of the different ecosystem services may have impacts on health, either directly or indirectly. Ecosystem services can be divided into provisioning services that provide food and water; regulating services that provide, for example, clean air, moderate extreme events, and regulate the local climate; supporting services that help maintain biodiversity and infectious disease control; and cultural services. With a rapidly growing global population, the demand for food and water will increase. Knowledge about ecosystems will provide opportunities for sustainable agriculture production in both terrestrial and marine environments. Diarrheal diseases and associated childhood deaths are strongly linked to poor water quality, sanitation, and hygiene. Even though improvements are being made, nearly 750 million people still lack access to reliable water sources. Ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and lakes capture, filter, and store water used for drinking, irrigation, and other human purposes. Wetlands also store and treat solid waste and wastewater, and such ecosystem services could become of increasing use for sustainable development. Ecosystems contribute to local climate regulation and are of importance for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove and coral reefs, act as natural barriers against storm surges and flooding. Flooding is associated with increased risk of deaths, epidemic outbreaks, and negative health impacts from destroyed infrastructure. Vegetation reduces the risk of flooding, also in cities, by increasing permeability and reducing surface runoff following precipitation events. The urban heat island effect will increase city-center temperatures during heatwaves. The elderly, people with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and outdoor workers in cities where temperatures soar during heatwaves are in particular vulnerable to heat. Vegetation and especially trees help in different ways to reduce temperatures by shading and evapotranspiration. Air pollution increases the mortality and morbidity risks during heatwaves. Vegetation has been shown also to contribute to improved air quality by, depending on plant species, filtering out gases and airborne particulates. Greenery also has a noise-reducing effect, thereby decreasing noise-related illnesses and annoyances. Biological control uses the knowledge of ecosystems and biodiversity to help control human and animal diseases. Natural surroundings and urban parks and gardens have direct beneficial effects on people’s physical and mental health and well-being. Increased physical activities have well-known health benefits. Spending time in natural environments has also been linked to aesthetic benefits, life enrichments, social cohesion, and spiritual experience. Even living close to or with a view of nature has been shown to reduce stress and increase a sense of well-being.

scholarly journals Length-weight relationship for two species of fish from Upper Paraguay Basin in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

2020 ◽  
pp. e748
Author(s):  
Thais Aparecida Soinski ◽  
Matheus Souza Costa ◽  
Eduardo Meneguzzi Brambilla ◽  
Welber Senteio Smith
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Sample Number ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Quantitative Indicator ◽  
Length Relationship ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

The study of the weight-length relationship of a fish species can be used to address several aspects that involve the distinction of small taxonomic units, providing basic information for the study of species biology, in addition, this relationship can also be used as quantitative indicator of the degree of health or well-being of the species in the environment. The objective of this study was to present unpublished data on the weight-length relationship (LWRs) for two species of fish. The fish were sampled in the months of January and July 2017 and January 2018 in rivers belonging to the Upper Paraná and Upper Paraguay basin along the MS-163, collected through sieves and trawls. 49 individuals were captured, distributed in two orders and two families, being 31 from Hisonotus francirochai and 18 from Roeboides descalvadensis. The results showed that the two species are within the expected for both parameters (a and b), even with a relatively low sample number. In addition, the data this study contribute with biological information for the species studied in this work.

scholarly journals Analysis of Public Policies of Minimum Incomeand Regional Development of Mato Grosso Do Sul (Brazilian Pantanal State)(2007-2017)

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ailene De Oliveira Figueiredo
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The State ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Minimum Income ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Brazilian Pantanal ◽  
Legislative Review ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

The State of Mato Grosso do Sul was created 42years ago, has agroindustry as an economic matrix, however despite its economic dynamism, still has areas of extreme poverty. the importance of this study is the formation of a social framework sanitary pre-crisis, which will allow to elaborate a comparative for the post-crisis. The research aims to geographically locate and identify populations at social risk and describe a framework about the cycle of public policy of minimum income and its effectiveness, relating and sustainable social development between 2007 and 2017. Therefore, the bibliographic exploratory and descriptive methods was used, and analytical through cartograms of secondary sources existing in the electronic sites of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, emphasizing the descriptive stage through legislative review of public policy in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, demonstrating evolution, and socioeconomic and environmental interrelations.The results observed is an improvement in well-being, even with a disbelief of the purchasing power of the income voucher.

scholarly journals Índice de pobreza humana municipal para Mato Grosso do Sul

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Francis Régis Gonçalves Mendes Barbosa ◽  
Cristiane de Matos Balsalobre ◽  
Claudia Maria Sonaglio
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Multidimensional Poverty ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Regional Disparities ◽  
Poverty Index ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
The Social ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

A identificação dos fatores que causam a pobreza multidimensional é imprescindível para a obtenção de uma visão apurada dos problemas enfrentados pela sociedade decorrentes desse problema. Nesse sentido, o objetivo geral foi mensurar a pobreza multidimensional e analisar a sua evolução para os municípios de Mato Grosso do Sul nos anos de 1991, 2000 e 2010. Foi criado o Índice de Pobreza Humana Municipal (IPHM) a partir das variáveis de saúde, educação e acesso a serviços básicos domiciliares. Os resultados apontam que os municípios de Japorã, Tacuru, Paranhos e Juti permanecem entre os mais pobres no período estudado. Os municípios de Campo Grande, Chapadão do Sul, São Gabriel do Oeste e Dourados permanecem entre os menos pobres. Conclui-se que houve melhoria no bem-estar social dos munícipes, como consequência de políticas públicas adotadas para o desenvolvimento e qualidade de vida da população. ABSTRACT The identification of the factors that cause the multidimensional poverty is essential for obtaining an accurate view of the problems faced by society arising from this reality. In this sense, the main objective was to measure the multidimensional poverty and to analyze its evolution for the municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul in the years 1991, 2000 and 2010. The Municipal Human Poverty Index (MHPI) was created based on health, education and access to basic household services variables. The results indicate that the municipalities of Japorã, Tacuru, Paranhos and Juti remain among the poorest in the studied period. The municipalities of Campo Grande, Chapadão do Sul, São Gabriel do Oeste and Dourados remain among the poorest. It was concluded that there was an improvement in the social well-being of the counties, as consequence of public policies adopted for the development and quality of life of the population. Keywords: Multidimensional Poverty; Poverty Index; Regional Disparities.  

Valuation of Marine Ecosystems

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Achilleas Vassilopoulos ◽  
Phoebe Koundouri
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Stated Preference ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Marine Ecosystems ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Ecosystem Valuation

Water accounts for more than 70% of Earth’s surface, making marine ecosystems the largest and most important ecosystems of the planet. However, the fact that a large part of these ecosystems and their potential contribution to humans remains unexplored has rendered them unattractive for valuation exercises. On the contrary, coastal zones, , being the interface between the land, the sea, and human activities competing for space and resources, have been extensively studied with the objective of marine ecosystem services valuation. Examples of marine and coastal ecosystems are open oceans, coral reefs, deep seas, hydrothermal vents, abyssal plains, wetlands, rocky and sandy shores, mangroves, kelp forests, estuaries, salt marshes, and mudflats. Although there are arguments that no classification can capture the ways in which ecosystems contribute to human well-being and support human life, very often policymakers have to decide upon alternative uses of such natural environments. Should a given wetland be preserved or converted to agricultural land? Should a mangrove be designated within the protected areas system or be used for shrimp farming? To answer these questions, one needs first to establish the philosophical basis of value within the ecosystems framework. To this end, two vastly different approaches have been proposed. On the one hand, the nonutilitarian (biocentric) approach relies on the notion of intrinsic value attached to the mere existence of a natural resource, independent of whether humans derive utility from its use (if any) or preservation. Albeit useful in philosophical terms, this approach is still far from providing unambiguous and generally accepted inputs to the tangible problem of ecosystem valuation. The utilitarian (anthropocentric) perspective, on the other hand, assumes that natural environments have value to the extent that humans derive utility from placing such value. According to the total economic value (TEV) approach, this value can be divided into “use” and “nonuse.” Use values involve some interaction with the resource, either directly or indirectly, while nonuse values are derived simply from the knowledge that natural resources and aspects of the natural environment are maintained. Existence and altruistic values fall within this latter category. Not surprisingly, economists have long revealed a strong preference for the utilitarian approach. As a result, the valuation of marine ecosystems requires that we understand the ecosystem services they deliver and then attach a value to the services. But what tools are available to economists when valuing marine ecosystems? For the most part, ecosystem services are not traded in formal markets and thus actual prices are usually not available. Valuation techniques essentially seek different ways to estimate measures like Willingness To Pay (WTP), Willingness To Accept (WTA), or expenditures and costs. The techniques used for the valuation of ecosystem services can be divided into three main families: market-based, revealed preference, and stated preference. Finally, value-transfer methods are also used when estimates of value are available in similar contexts. All these methods have advantages and disadvantages, with different methods being suitable for different situations. Hence, extra caution is required during the design and implementation of valuation attempts.

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