ISER Talk: 'Applying Ecological Economics' with David Batker, Nov. 19

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10-11 a.m. ISER Conference Room (Diplomacy Building, Fifth Floor)

Ecosystem services is the term often used to describe goods and services we get from ecosystems-like salmon habitat or clean air. These things are valuable, but they aren't usually bought or sold in the marketplace. Ecosystem service valuation assigns a dollar value to them. David Batker, executive director of Earth Economics, will talk about the tools being used to identify and value ecosystem services. Such valuation can help policymakers as they make decisions about resource management and sustainable economic development.

Earth Economics recently estimated the annual value of the Matanuska-Susitna Basin's ecosystems at between $20 billion and $50 billion. Batker will discuss other potential applications of ecosystem service valuation in Alaska.

David Batker holds a master's degree in economics and founded Earth Economics in 1998. He has done ecosystem service valuation studies in Washington State and other areas.

The Diplomacy Building is at 4500 Diplomacy Drive, at the corner of Tudor Road and Tudor Centre Drive. Parking is free. Call (907) 786-7710 if you need directions.

Note: Those unable to attend in person can join us remotely over the web or call (907) 786-6755, Conference ID: 475905. A recording of the talk will also be posted on the ISER website (www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu).

November Archive