Agricultural lands are an essential part of our economy and quality of life, but they are increasingly pressured by population growth and accelerating urban development. Too often, farmland is divided and developed without a full understanding of the value lost. In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a 2015 Earth Economics study of the county's natural capital is helping guide ongoing discussions about how to manage the county’s farmlands.
It’s hard to believe that 2016 is already wrapping up – what a full year this has been! We have some exciting opportunities ahead, and we’re pleased to share our 2016 successes with you.
ACES brings together a global ecosystem services community in an open forum for sharing experiences, methods, and tools for assessing and incorporating ecosystem services in decision making. Project Directors Angela Fletcher and Zachary Christin will both be presenting. We hope to connect with you there!
A clean, abundant water supply is critical to health and well-being, but many water sources are threatened. In Eugene, Oregon, the Eugene Water and Electric Board is taking big steps to ensure future water quality with an innovative new approach to protecting riparian zones that is setting an important precedent for water utilities.
We’ve been hard at work here at Earth Economics this fall – with new projects and a growing team, we’ve had a lot on our plates! Our critical work putting nature on the balance sheet wouldn’t be possible without our stellar staff, and they’ve certainly been busy with EE projects and educational pursuits.
Trails and parks are valuable assets that provide critical ecosystem services. Far too often, they are left off the balance sheet in spite of their tremendous value. This past week, residents of Alaska’s Mat-Su Borough recognized the value of their public lands and passed a $22 million bond in support of trails, parks, pools, and ice rinks.
As worldwide temperatures soar and disasters intensify, urban planners and political leaders are spending more time trying to understand and build local resilience. The Rockefeller Foundation has emerged as a global leader in this effort with the 100 Resilient Cities initiative (100 RC). Under the 100RC program, Earth Economics worked with the City of El Paso to value its natural capital and ecosystem services.
In the remote waters of Alaska's Bering Sea, a tiny community wants to maintain its rich resources. St. George Island is home to about 80 residents - many of whom rely heavily on the island’s natural resources for cultural and subsistence purposes. To help the community plan resource protections, Earth Economics is conducting an economic assessment of St. George Island and its surrounding marine area.
