Assessing the values of ecosystem services of the Yangtze Delta, China

Abstract

The ecosystem services of the Yangtze Delta in China were measured using Costanza's method. The results showed that their value is US$27.2 billion per annum (at 1995 prices), made up of US$4.5 billion or 16.65% from forest ecosystems, US$5.8 billion or 21.53% from estuary and wetland ecosystems, US$0.4 billion or 1.5% from cropland ecosystems, US$12.9 billion or 47.54% from lake and river ecosystems, and US$3.5 billion or 12.84% from neritic ecosystems. The water ecosystems are a key factor in sustainable development of the region. The results also indicate that the value of ecosystem services per unit area and per GDP was bigger than the national average. In addition, the value of the ecosystem services in mitigating floods and droughts, purification and supply of water, and detoxification and decomposition of wastes was higher than the national average.