The third objective of EcoFamily is to promote monetary valuation of the ecosystem goods and services for sustainable development.
EcoFamily argues that the economic value of ecosystem goods and services is real, often underestimated, but relevant to a wide range of decision-makers and stakeholders. Economic arguments and outcomes are already helping the conservation movement influence decisions and recruit a wider set of partners. Economic arguments are not a substitute for biophysical and ethical arguments in favor of conservation. Rather, they complement other conservation motivations by enriching the description the role of Mother Nature in our personal livelihoods and community well-being. Economic valuation’s role as a mode of communication and a guide to conservation policy and planning will and should continue to grow through:
- Stimulating campaigns for monetary valuation of ecosystem services and goods;
- Creation and promotion of public awareness on monetary values of ecosystem as a step towards community empowerment for sustainable development;
- Negotiation and advocacy for its political acceptance to effect decision-making over environmental perspectives;