Ecosystem services are defined as processes that underpin the benefits people obtain from ecosystems (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment 2005).
There's great interest in being shown in the valuation of these services as a means of protecting our remaining natural resources.
This however, in my opinion is a dangerous concept. Ecosystems do not exist solely for human welfare. We are a small part of the ecosystem, and have no right to put a price on biodiversity.
Of course, it's an important concept to bring to light the nature and extent of the destruction we've caused, and the urgency with which we need to act.
But do we have any right to decide which parts of nature to conserve, and which to destroy?
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