Fen Management Handbook - Scottish Natural Heritage

12.7 Valuing the true worth of fens
Understanding and appreciation of ecosystem services and the many benefits
of fens which cannot be readily quantified in economic terms has developed
considerably, but recent research suggests that wetland conservation managers
currently have a tendency to stick to familiar ground when identifying and realising
the value of fens and other wetlands.
On behalf of the Wetland Vision for England Project, McInnes (2007) reviewed six
local Wetland Vision plans in relation to their recognition and use of the ecosystem
services concept as a part of their planned resource and management strategy. He
found that:
– Reference was made to direct provision of environmental products and services,
and environmental regulation services, but there were numerous potential
services which were not mentioned.
– More information was given on cultural than other services, and these services
were explained more clearly. The language used displayed a much greater
empathy with these ecosystem services than with other types, especially for
recreational and educational services.
– Biodiversity was not the headline objective for all projects; one project had
reduction of urban flood risk at its core. The case studies demonstrated that
the philosophical choice of ‘either biodiversity or ecosystem services’ had been
superseded, with all projects accommodating a breadth of benefits without
compromising biodiversity objectives.
– There was a clear bias towards the provision of cultural services. Spiritual,
inspirational, recreational, aesthetic and educational objectives are considered
more important than other ecosystem services.
These summarised conclusions suggest that there is almost certainly scope for
identifying and realising the value of a wider range of ecosystem services. The
research also raises questions which serve as a useful checklist for all those
involved in fen management which if followed through, could provide necessary
resources for site management whilst safeguarding the interests of conservation
and biodiversity.
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Checklist when considering economic aspects of fen management
– Is there more scope for direct provision of fen products compatible
with the maintenance of biodiversity?
– Are there alternative avenues of funding to realise the value of the
carbon sequestration service offered by fens e.g. local carbon
offsetting schemes, or use of the government’s SPC concept?
– Can the value of the flood attenuation function of a wetland be
promoted, quantified and realised whilst maintaining favourable
conditions for biodiversity?
– What scope is there for encouraging neighbour participation in
schemes to reduce hydrological or nutrient problems, for example
through a linked or joint RDP application which is more likely to
attract support than individual proposals?