Exam 2- Conservation of Biology

intrinsic value

value that nature or a species has in itself, independent of human use or benefit

ex: valuing a forest simply because it exists

Instrumental Value

Value of nature based on its usefulness to humans

ex: forests providing timber or clean air

Relational value

Value derived from relationships between people and nature-based on identity, culture, or sense of responsibility

ex: a sacred mountain valued by an indigenous community

Ecosystem Services

Benefits human obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning(food, water),regulating (climate, floods),supporting (nutrient cycles), and cultural services (recreation, spiritual)

Ecological economics

Studies the relationship between ecosystems and economic systems, focusing on sustainability and the value of natural capital

Direct use values

Benefits derived directly from using natural resources

ex: Fishing, logging, tourism

Consumptive use values

Values from resources consumed directly without entering markets

ex: Gathering firewood or hunting for personal use

Productive use values

Values from resources harvested and sold in markets

Ex: Commercial fishing or logging for sale

Indirect use value

value of ecosystem functions that benefit people indirectly

Ex: wetlands filtering water or forests storing carbon

Option Value

Value of keeping natural resources available for future generations

Ex: conserving rainforests in case new medicines are discovered there

Non-use value

Value assigned to something even if one never uses it

Ex: Valuing endangered species or national parks simply for their existence

Sustainable development

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs-balancing environment, economy, and society

Environmental justice

The fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, ensuring all people-regardless of race or income to have equal access to a healthy environment

How do intrinsic, instrumental, and relational values differ?

Intrinsic: nature has value on its own (moral worth)

Instrumental: natures value comes from human use (resources/services)

Relational: value comes from human-nature relationships (cultural/spiritual meaning)

Give examples of different ways of valuing species and ecosystems.

Economic: (instrumental): forest provides timber, carbon storage, and tourism

Cultural (relational): river used in traditional ceremonies

Moral (intrinsic): protecting endangered species for their right to exist

Ecological: Wetlands maintain biodiversity and prevent flooding

Future-oriented: preserving coral reefs for future generations (option value)