Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes CSIRO LAND AND WATER

Transcription

1 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes CSIRO LAND AND WATER Ian Cresswell

2 Goal Use integrated economic, environmental and social information in decision-making 2

3 Ecosystem services Mangroves and saltmarshes provide ecosystem services that underpin multiple human interests 3 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes

4 Valuing mangroves and saltmarshes One mechanism for improving natural resource management practices is to value these natural assets Quantify the natural assets of mangrove and saltmarsh systems that sustain productive and sustainable livelihoods. Deliver regular accounts that track the state and trend of the assets 4 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes

5 Using a natural capital accounting framework Framework to organise and convey data and accounts Consistent evidence base for analysis and application The Environmental Accounts Landscape, BoM

6 Inventory of assets inventory of natural estuarine assets underpinning the values you wish to maintain A identify important coastal wetlands, riverine and riparian areas, including an understanding of connectivity 6 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes

7 Flows in ecosystem accounting

8 Flows in ecosystem accounting Asset Condi tion Services Benefits

9 Case Study - Natural Accounting in the Primary Industries Apply Natural Capital Accounting using three primary industry sectors as case studies: forestry, cotton and fisheries Seeking to better account for their interactions with natural capital to guide decision making FRDC funded CSIRO, University of Newcastle, NSW DPI, Bureau of Meteorology and Australian Bureau of Statistics and industry partners 9 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes

10 Importance of Saltmarsh to Fisheries Existing NSW work shows saltmarsh contribute significantly What is the role of saltmarsh vs mangrove vs seagrass? What are the benefits to the fishery? Saltmarsh restoration benefits for fisheries Courtesy of Vincent Raoult, University of Newcastle

11 Test hypotheses 1. Verified environmental credentials provide access to premium markets 2. Accounts provide reduced natural capital risk 3. Improved capacity to engage in management of natural assets 11 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes

12 Estuary habitats Nursery Refuge from Predation Part of life history in Estuaries Food availability Courtesy of Vincent Raoult, University of Newcastle

13 Establishing an account Document natural capital risks and dependencies Inventory of assets Account for impacts on natural capital Document condition over time 13 Presentation title Presenter name

14 Linking the natural assets with business Quantify the links between the physical environment and business activities Quantify impacts of different activities on the condition of the physical environment Management practices to achieve both increased profits and environmental sustainability 14 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes

15 Food for the Fishery Primary Producers Mangroves Seagrass Epiphytes Saltmarsh Phytoplankton Courtesy of Vincent Raoult, University of Newcastle

16 Implementation Test that natural capital accounting can drive better decision making and profitability Develop understanding of the dependencies on natural capital Define a common framework for natural capital accounting within each sector Conduct interviews and workshops with a broad range of stakeholders Develop accounts for each sector 16 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes

17 Emerging area for local communities Increased understanding and capacity of local communities provides new opportunities to engage in emerging markets for environmental services 17 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes

18 Thank you 18 Valuing mangroves & saltmarshes