ECOSYSTEM VALUATION
Ecosystem
Valuation
LONG-TERM OUTCOME: In collaboration with the Biodiversity Collaborative, develop and test an evaluation strategy for ecosystem services and bioresource use, their value, and costs for their loss in selected rural Aspirational Districts
WE ENVISION AN INDIA...
In policy development and implementation, different frameworks are used by policymakers, scientists, and other stakeholders to address environmental and ecological issues. There is a need to unite the various economical solutions offered, and existing communication needs to articulate the significance of our ecosystems to each individual. A lack of unified valuation of our ecosystems results in further environmental degradation leading to socioeconomic and ecological disparity that impacts the health of humans and the natural world, climate breakdown, species loss, and crises such as pandemics.
We need to develop next-generation valuation methodologies that ensure the values and interests of local as well as non-human communities. We must understand how to use this information to advance human development in India through innovation while reducing the negative anthropogenic impact on our ecosystems. We must find language to communicate how our ecosystems impact communities, industry, and wildlife, focusing on marginalised and disenfranchised communities, common or shared spaces in urban and rural areas, and varied habitats. We must seek to impact social behaviour on a large scale and enable better decision-making at every level about using bioresources. We need to research the efficacy of ecosystem-based, climate-resilient, and ecology-based practices.. Simultaneously, we must work on incentives that align consumer demand and preferences accordingly. In addressing these problems, we must also account for India's sheer diversity and scale of ecological and socioeconomic contexts in order to develop appropriate economic incentives and consumer demand.
Ecosystem Development
DESCRIPTION
Survey of stakeholders from various sectors mapping their role, motivations, values, and understandings of ecosystem services
BENEFIT
Learn about current players and issues facing ecosystems and natural resource use in India. Meet key stakeholders, understand their motivations and values in order to develop methods, tools, and technologies that can be adapted to their needs.
OUTPUT
Localized stakeholder
& information mapping
for ecosystem valuation
in India
Knowledge Generation
DESCRIPTION
Collation and meta-analysis of current data and methodologies used to valuate ecosystems for sharing across regions
BENEFIT
Identify and assess current data, methodologies, and policies surrounding ecosystem valuation in India. Gather key information from public and private organizations in India and the world. Develop India's first collated and localized database for ecosystem valuation.
OUTPUT
Localized and searchable
database of valuation
methods and techniques
Tool Building
DESCRIPTION
Collate local knowledge on resource loss/protection to create a knowledge base of success stories
BENEFIT
Evaluate current local and traditional knowledge on ecosystem services and natural resource use. Highlight integrated benefits of local valuation in India to be used to focus further policy, practice, and technology development.