Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Service Valuation Database (GecoServ): Gathering ecosystem services valuation studies to promote their inclusion in the decision-making process

Abstract

The main goals of the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Service Valuation Database (GecoServ), an inventory of ecosystem services (ES) valuation studies applicable to the Gulf of Mexico, are to allow for the distribution and sharing of information about said studies and to identify current gaps in the ES valuation literature. The utility of GecoServ ( http://www.gecoserv.org ) lies in that it fills a void left by non-ES specific environmental databases, highlights the lack of studies for some ecosystems and associated services, and provides background information for future ES valuation studies. GecoServ functions as a uniquely centralized source of information for both researchers and natural resource managers. Researchers can find information for different study sites to be used in value transfer methods. For managers, instead, GecoServ is a tool that provides them with ES values to inform their decision-making process. ► GecoServ is a unique database providing monetary values for ecosystem services. ► GecoServ promotes the distribution of ecosystem services valuation studies. ► GecoServ allows identifying gaps in the ecosystem services valuation literature. ► GecoServ is available online and can be queried through a user-friendly interface. ► GecoServ can help managers include ecosystem services in the decision-making process.