Developing a global economic valuation function for nitrogen impacts on coastal and marine ecosystem services

The ecological and economic importance of coastal and marine systems is widely recognised. Yet, excessive nutrient loads can lead to eutrophication, impair ecosystem services (ES), and cause significant economic costs. This work reviews existing studies to develop a spatial valuation function for nitrogen (N) impacts on ES provision, using the Baltic Sea as an initial example. Recreation and water quality improvements are the most frequently valued ES in the Baltic Sea. However, the use of different N-related indicators and unit values proves to be challenging. Future work will standardise N-indicators to develop a global valuation function for marine ES.

Impact/Purpose

Researchers in the International Nitrogen Management Systems program are developing a method for threat-benefit assessment associated with reactive nitrogen release to the environment. This international collaborative brings together a group of people who are working on the economics, biogeochemistry and human health impacts of reactive nitrogen. This presentation will review existing valuation data related to N impacts to the Baltic Sea, and develop a framework that could be used in other areas.

Citation

Pinto, R., N. Beaumont, R. Brouwer, J. Compton, B. Hasler, H. van Grinsven, B. Gu, L. Jones, F. Pacheco, AND M. Riaz. Developing a global economic valuation function for nitrogen impacts on coastal and marine ecosystem services. International Nitrogen Initiative meeting 2020, Berlin, N/A, GERMANY, May 10 - 14, 2020.