We know for a fact that there are one million species at risk of extinction. We know for a fact that USD 44tn are at risk due to the impending biodiversity loss. We know for a fact that biodiversity provides humanity with vital material, non-material and regulatory services. We know for a fact that biodiversity underpins ecosystem functions and is necessary for resilient stocks of natural capital.
At the same time, according to The Economist, we know that chopping down 1ha of rainforest generates USD 1,200 for local communities but causes significant biodiversity loss and results in USD 25,000 worth of carbon emissions.
Now what if we were able to put a real USD value onto the biodiversity loss. We would then realise that it is not only USD 25,000 worth of carbon emissions that would be saved when saving the 1ha, and it is not only USD 1,200 lost for local communities. But in fact it could be multi-thousands of USDs being destroyed per hectare.
Plants in the Amazon hold significant value besides their timber value. They can be sustainably harvested and used to equal or to exceed the USD 1,200 income to communities. The fauna in the forests help to support the forest life, and equally generate value for the communities.
Understanding the sort of biodiversity value that Endangered Wildlife OU calculates can help stakeholders on all levels to truly understand the cost of chopping down 1ha of forest.
