Annex to ESVM service tutorial

Spanish version here

Find ESVM service description and specifications here, and the full tutorial in here

Find ESVM service tutorial here.

Default Cost parameters

The ESVM service is based on geospatial data and biophysical models combined with economic cost parameters for carbon storage, sediment retention, and nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus), expressed in USD per unit area.

Regarding the economic data, the service relies on two types of cost parameters:

• Default values : Predefined estimates of carbon price per ton, sediment removal cost per ton, and nitrogen and phosphorus removal costs per kilogram at the national level. These are available in available in here.

• User-provided values: Custom inputs that replace the default values with user-defined cost parameters.

These cost parameters represent the economic value of maintaining or enhancing ecosystem functions by avoiding replacement costs or marked-based expenses. The categories include:

• Carbon storage :

  • Description: Represents the amount of carbon stored in vegetation and soil, which helps mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric CO₂.
  • Cost Basis: The carbon price per ton (USD), based on carbon market values or social cost of carbon. This reflects the economic benefit of avoiding emissions through natural carbon sequestration.

• Sediment Retention :

  • Description: Measures the capacity of ecosystems (e.g., forests, wetlands) to prevent soil erosion and sediment transport into rivers and reservoirs.
  • Cost Basis: The sediment removal cost per ton (USD), based on avoided dredging and disposal expenses in reservoirs and waterways. This represents savings in infrastructure maintenance.

• Nitrogen Retention :

  • Description: Indicates the ability of ecosystems to retain nitrogen and prevent its leaching into water bodies, reducing eutrophication risks.
  • Cost Basis: The nitrogen removal cost per kg (USD), derived from the cost of removing nitrogen in wastewater treatment systems. This reflects avoided treatment expenses.

• Phosphorus Retention :

  • Description : Captures the ecosystem’s role in retaining phosphorus, preventing harmful algal blooms and water quality degradation.
  • Cost Basis: The phosphorus removal cost per kg (USD), based on wastewater treatment efficiency and associated costs. This represents avoided costs for water quality management.

The next table depicts the default economic values for user information:

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