Benefit Transfer for Ecosystem Service Valuation: An Introduction to Theory and Methods

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concepts and methods of benefit transfer applied to ecosystem service valuation. It integrates guidance provided in the ecosystem service valuation and benefit transfer literatures to provide introductory insights and guidelines. Building on the general benefit transfer introduction in prior chapters, the chapter provides a basic understanding of how these methods may be adapted to address the unique challenges of ecosystem service valuation. An illustrative application to fish habitat restoration illustrates some of the empirical methods that may be applied. The chapter also discusses some of the more common misuses of benefit transfer in this area and provides guidelines to promote validity and accuracy.