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Value

Definition:

Defined by Webster to be the quality of a thing according to which it is thought of as being more or less desirable, useful, estimable or important.

Using this definition the value of an ecosystem might be defined in terms of its beauty, its uniqueness, its irreplacability, its contribution to life support functions or commercial or recreational opportunities, or its role in supporting wildlife or reducing environmental or human health risks, or providing many other services that benefit humans.

Source: Ecosystem Valuation Definition of Terms 

More:

Economic value

The economic concept of value is that value is human driven (i.e., it is anthropocentric), meaning that goods and services are not considered to have value unless humans place value on them [willingness to pay].

From a strict economic perspective, there is no such thing as intrinsic or natural value. Of course, this focus on human-based value leads economists to measure market and nonmarket values using monetary instruments such as dollars.

Source: Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness department of the Louisiana State University How is economic value measured 

Related words:

Intrinsic value - Non-market value

To read about this term in context:

GreenFacts Summary on Ecosystem Change:

Translation(s):

Español: Valor
Français: Valeur

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