Ecosystem services valuation in developing countries: a review of methods and applicability approach

Urban growth has compromised the capacity of ecosystem services (ES), causing impacts such as degradation, urban heat islands, climate change and floods. Importance of ES can help improve their condition and management through political and urban planning instruments. This study was developed by reviewing the literature using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses disclosure guidelines to identify ES valuation methods based on the total economic value (TEV) framework. The literature review included 117 articles that (a) were based on the TEV framework and (b) offered quantitative results. The results show that: (a) 52 studies evaluated more than one ES and that the regulation service is the most investigated, (b) the contingent valuation method is the most used and the least used was the production function and (c) that 78 of the 117 studies conclude with proposals for the implementation of public policies, of which conservation, protection and restoration policies are the most important and the method most used for public proposals was the contingent valuation method. It is essential to mention that implementation of ES valuation in urban planning benefits users and ecosystems.

Automated summary

Urban growth has negative impacts on ecosystem services, but their importance can be improved through policy and planning. This study reviewed 117 articles and identified methods for valuing ecosystem services as well as suggestions for implementing public policies.