Nature and economy

Ecosystem services contribute as much to the well-being of individuals and communities as they do to economic activity. But what is the value of these non-market natural assets? There is growing social, entrepreneurial, and institutional demand for new economic indicators that can measure and monitor changes in the state of ecosystems. This demand translates into the integration of ecosystem services into public and private decision-making processes, the development of public policies, and tools for implementing sustainable development and adapting to climate change.

It is in this context that this book was developed, which aims to share research on the value of ecosystem services specific to Quebec. While the studies focus on this territory, the questions raised and the answers provided nonetheless apply to other contexts and scales. In addition to an overview of the concept of ecosystem services, the book offers a series of case studies on the economic valuation of these services. It also shows how economic indicators of ecosystem services can be integrated into decision-making processes. It is aimed at students as well as decision-makers and business analysts interested in the economic valuation of biodiversity and its benefits.