Land use change and its effects on the value of ecosystem services along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico

In the central region of the Gulf of Mexico, urban growth occurs mainly to support tourism and results in loss of natural ecosystems and ecosystem services. Our objectives were to analyze land use changes and calculate the value of these changes in terms of lost ecosystem services. We selected three study sites with contrasting infrastructure for tourism: Boca del Rio, Chachalacas and Costa Esmeralda. From 1995-2006, we found that urban sprawl was predominant, and occurred over mangroves, grasslands, croplands and the beach. Using the benefit transfer method, we calculated a net loss (SUS 2006/ha/year) of $1.4 x 10(3) in Boca del Rio. $7 x 10(5) in Chachalacas and $1 x 10(5) in Costa Esmeralda. Because the value of urban land is higher (from 45,000 USD/ha (2006) in Costa Esmeralda to 6 million in Boca del Rio) than the total estimated Ecosystem Services Value (106,000 USD/ha, including all ecosystems and ecosystem services), land use change may seem economically profitable. However, after losing ecosystem services such as coastal protection or scenic value and recreation, the apparent gains from urban development are lost. Land use and policy making should consider ecosystem service losses so that ecosystems are preserved and society benefited. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.