Economic Measures of Pollination Services: Shortcomings and Future Directions. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Breeze, Tom D.; Gallai, Nicola; Garibaldi, Lucas A.; Li, Xui S.
• Is Part Of: Trends in ecology & evolution. Volume 31:Number 12(2016)
• Page Start: 927
• Page End: 939
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution (Biology) -- Periodicals; 576.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0169-5347

Abstract

Abstract : Over the past 20 years, there has been growing interest in the possible economic impacts of pollination service loss and management. Although the literature area has expanded rapidly, there remains ongoing debate about the usefulness of such exercises. Reviewing the methods and findings of the current body of literature, this review highlights three major trends: (i) estimated benefits are heterogeneous, even when using the same method, due to several often-neglected factors. (ii) The current body of literature focuses heavily on the developed world, neglecting the effects on developing countries. (iii) Very few studies are suitable for informing management and policy. The review highlights the need for fully interdisciplinary work that embeds stakeholders and economic impacts into primary ecological research. Trends: Pollination is a major, economically significant ecosystem service that is threatened by biodiversity losses. Economic measures of ecosystem services are thought to support better, more sustainable management strategies and are increasingly used to justify pollinator conservation. Converting 63 available studies that economically measure pollination services into a common currency (2015 US$), this review identifies three major shortcomings within the current literature: highly heterogeneous results, biases towards the developed world and producers, and limited adaptability for decision-making. The review proposes next steps to enhance the effectiveness and applicability of future economic studies.