Valuing Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity
For thousands of years Indigenous peoples of the Arctic have subsisted on its natural resources – fish, grazing grounds for reindeer herding, fresh water from the great Siberian rivers flowing into the Arctic. The far north represents tremendous wealth in its unique biodiversity, culture and, increasingly, in commercial ventures including tourism and shipping.
This issue of The Circle investigates the what, why and how of valuing Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity. Why are we allowing some Arctic ecosystems to be degraded? Is the real value of ecosystems incorporated into economic policies and investment decisions by companies? What ecosystem services are generally missing from policy evaluations and business calculations due to their economic invisibility? Can valuation of ecosystem services be a tool to make the invisible use of nature visible and as such, redirect the economic compass of the Arctic and beyond? What are prerequisites to be met for estimating this true value? What is an appropriate scope and boundary for valuation in the Arctic? Is it wrong to put a dollar value on some of Arctic´s ecosystem services, such as the cultural value that Indigenous peoples place on nature? How can we incorporate cultural and even spiritual values in the decision-making process? Join the debate in this edition of The Circle.
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About The Circle magazine
Quarterly
WWF Arctic Programme publishes the magazine four times per year and each issue zeroes in on a theme and presents a range of stories.
Actions
It covers the key climate risks are for the Arctic—and what researchers and decision-makers in the eight Arctic nations are doing.
Perspectives
We aim to hear from contributors in a selection of Arctic countries—from youth to Indigenous communities to policymakers to scientists.
Themes
Stay informed about the environmental and development issues affecting wildlife, ecosystems and people in the Arctic today.