Monetary value of ecosystem services in unhealthy seagrass meadows in Indonesia

Abstract

Seagrass meadows provide important ecosystem services for humans, particularly local communities living in coastal areas. These ecosystems have been facing several anthropogenic pressures, leading to their unhealthy ecological state. Understanding the economic value of ecosystems is essential for effective management and conservation efforts. This study evaluated the monetary value of seagrass ecosystem services in Wakatobi and Bintan, Indonesia. The study sites in these locations were selected owing to the compromised condition of their seagrass ecosystems and the local communities’ widespread use of seagrass ecosystem services. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and existing research literature. The monetary valuation of ecosystem services (supporting, regulating, provisioning, and cultural services) was estimated using a non-market benefit transfer and market prices approach. Our analysis revealed that the monetary value of seagrass meadows with an unhealthy ecological state was USD 23,800/ha/y (IDR 336 million) in Wakatobi and USD 13,800/ha/y (IDR 195 million) in Bintan. The average monetary value from both locations was approximately USD 18,800/ha/y (IDR 265 million). Moreover, regulatory services were the most dominant component in the monetary value, contributing up to 97 % of the total value, whereas supporting services contributed 3 %; provisioning and cultural services contributed < 1 %. By quantifying the economic significance of seagrass meadows, our study can facilitate decision-making in seagrass conservation. Furthermore, our findings contribute to the broader field of ecosystem valuation and highlight the importance of safeguarding these ecosystems for both ecological and human well-being.