Economics of wetland conservation case study: "systemic solutions" for integrated water management

Abstract

Unintended consequences arising from narrow consideration of outputs from water and environmental management technologies are of increasing concern, including, for example, climate-active gases and solid waste generated by increasing intensity of traditional wastewater treatment. Formerly overlooked environmental and financial costs, as well as social concerns along supply chains and local disruption due to vehicle movements, are also giving cause for concern. Broader consideration of inputs and outputs highlights the need for low-input solutions that optimize outcomes across multiple ecosystem services. These "systemic solutions" are defined as "..low-input technologies using natural processes to optimise benefits across the spectrum of ecosystem services and their beneficiaries.".