It does not imply that values are exclusively associated with private commodities exchanging on markets.2 Rather the focus of the definition should be on people and their judgments about what is important.

To the average person the term value means importance or desirability. This concept seems so straightforward as to raise questions about why there could possibly be disputes between ecologists, economists and philosophers over the value of ecological resources.1 The problems arise when we attempt to make this general definition operational. To do so requires adopting the perspective of a discipline. Value for economists must derive from anthropogenic roots. That is, people’s preferences provide the sole basis for the economic values associated with all types of resources. Unfortunately, this position is often misconstrued. It does not imply that values are exclusively associated with private commodities exchanging on markets.2 Rather the focus of the definition should be on people and their judgments about what is important.

It does not imply that values are exclusively associated with private commodities exchanging on markets.2 Rather the focus of the definition should be on people and their judgments about what is important.

Measuring economic values for ecosystems