What are markets for ecological services?
Our environment provides valuable services, but we often fail to include that value in market prices. For instance, wetlands filter water, and forests protect hillsides from collapsing and sliding. When markets fail to reflect the economic value of these services, they can be degraded, resulting in economic losses. When we create markets for these services, people can see – and pay for – their value. And thus we help protect the environment and our financial well-being.
