Ecosystem Services
The focus of this research is the application of experimental economic laboratory methods to the evaluation and management of ecosystem services.The ecosystem services concept has arisen as a way in which to encourage the discussion of the dependence of humans on nature (Cork et al. 2001). Ecosystem services have been defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2003) as the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. Examples of ecosystem services include nutrient cycling, filtration, and provision of habitat. Ecosystem services are often characterised by their public good nature, and as such, markets for them rarely exist. Experimental economics can be used to explore the possibilites of using market-based instruments as a means to ensure the provision of ecosystem services.
