2018-马尔代夫北阿里环礁生态系统服务功能评价（英文版）-3mb

Ecosystem Services Assessment of North Ari Atoll

Core Content

This report provides an assessment of ecosystem services in North Ari Atoll, Maldives, highlighting the economic and ecological importance of these services. It discusses the role of marine ecosystems in supporting the country's economy and the potential for sustainable management to enhance their value.

Main Ecosystem Services

The following are the main ecosystem services provided by the coastal and marine habitats of North Ari Atoll:

• Commercial, subsistence, and recreational fisheries: These are vital for the local economy and food security.
• Ecotourism: Including diving, snorkeling, and other tourism-related activities.
• Shoreline stabilization and beach formation/maintenance: Essential for protecting coastal infrastructure and maintaining tourism appeal.
• Hazard mitigation: Reducing the impact of natural disasters like storm surges and cyclones.
• Water quality maintenance: Supporting both human health and marine biodiversity.
• Cultural and spiritual benefits: Including traditional practices and aesthetic values.

Key Habitats

The following natural habitats are identified as critical to the delivery of ecosystem services in North Ari Atoll:

• Coral reefs: Provide the foundation for fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.
• Tidal flats: Support water quality and serve as feeding grounds for various species.
• Seagrass beds: Important for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision.
• Mangroves: Act as buffers against coastal erosion and provide nursery habitats for fisheries.
• Beaches: Support recreation and are crucial for tourism.
• Offshore pelagic areas and seamounts: Contribute to fishery productivity and biodiversity.

Economic Value and Analysis

The report estimates the total annual economic values from different sectors associated with ecosystem services in North Ari Atoll:

The total economic value per km² is also presented:

Net Present Value (NPV) Analysis

A NPV analysis was conducted to evaluate the economic impact of different management scenarios:

The results indicate that improved and significantly improved management scenarios generate higher NPV compared to the business as usual case, while the more degraded case results in substantial losses.

Key Findings and Recommendations

• The business as usual scenario projects potential losses of USD 148.54 million to USD 288.54 million over 30 years due to ecosystem degradation.
• Improved management could yield benefits of USD 15.78 million to USD 48.67 million, and significantly improved management could yield USD 24.01 million to USD 75.69 million, depending on discount rates.
• Significantly improved management is the most cost-effective option, with benefits far outweighing costs.
• Ecosystem services are highly interlinked, and their loss can have cascading effects on multiple sectors.
• A comprehensive valuation of ecosystem services in North Ari Atoll is recommended to refine data and inform future investment in environmental protection and sustainable development.

Conclusion

The report underscores the importance of sustainable management of marine ecosystems in North Ari Atoll. It highlights the economic and ecological benefits provided by these systems and the potential for conservation efforts to generate significant returns. The findings suggest that targeted investments in marine protected areas (MMAs) and locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) could lead to substantial long-term economic gains.