Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-223) and index.

The ecosystem services approach to natural resource management -- Policy appraisal perspectives and socio-economic appraisal approaches -- The ecosystem services approach : valuation of multi-functional wetlands -- Economic valuation of wetland ecosystem services in practice -- Valuation of multi-functional wetland : case studies -- Conclusions and future prospects -- App. A. Economic valuation techniques -- App. B. Wetland ecosystem services : overview of empirical studies -- App. C. Case studies used for policy review and survey. Ecosystem services can be broadly defined as the aspects of ecosystems that provide benefits to people. The aim of this book is to provide guidance on the valuation of ecosystem services, using the case of multifunctional wetlands to illustrate and make recommendations regarding the methods and techniques that can be applied to appraise management options. It provides a review of ecosystem service valuation rationale, including its importance from both a policy and project appraisal perspective, and a useful reference when considering policy and appraisal of ecosystem management options. It shows how legal obligations and other high-level management targets should be taken into account in valuation exercises, thus giving important policy context to the management options. --from publisher description.