Valuing Ecosystem Services

VALUING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

We all enjoy the benefits provided by the natural environment – these “ecosystem services” include water purification, recreation, carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat among other things.  When these services are lost or diminished by development or pollution, how do we value the loss?  Should we attach a monetary value to the loss and create markets?  If so, is there an accepted methodology?  How do we use this information to repair damaged ecosystems and restore services or make better decisions about development?  This brownbag CLE will explore the burgeoning interest in valuing ecosystem services, including the utility and potential pitfalls in doing so, and how these issues are being handled in Oregon and elsewhere.

Speaker:           Sara Vickerman is the Senior Director for Biodiversity Partnerships for Defenders of Wildlife, and director of its Northwest office.  She has promoted conservation incentives and sustainability legislation in Oregon, and bills that encourage state agencies and local governments to use markets and payments for ecosystem services.  Sara is currently a member of the Willamette Partnership Board and Oregon Sustainability Board.

Details:  (click here for Valuing Ecosystem Services Oct 2011 CLE materials provided at the CLE)

Date/Time         Thursday, October 6, 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm

Location           Wells Fargo Building, 21st Floor

1300 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR

Call-in               Teleconferencing available

Cost                 Free to SFS Section members; $10 for nonmembers
(at the door)

Lunch               Brown bag (bring your own)

CLE                  1 general CLE credit pending