Network analysis of ecosystem service valuation trends in South Korea

Abstract

Ecosystem service valuations provide imperative data that is valuable for policy makers. However, the valuations are seldom adopted in national policymaking. In order to promote the use of ecosystem service valuations in policy and decision-making, a two-mode network analysis was conducted in order to investigate trends in ecosystem service valuation research in South Korea. According to the results, the “contingent valuation method” and “choice experiment” showed high connectivity with ecosystem type and service and were frequently employed by valuators. In contrast, the “net factor income” and “contingent ranking method” showed low connectivity and low frequency of use. The ecosystem types “forest”, “farmland,” and “coastal systems” showed high connectivity with the valuation methodologies and high frequency of use whereas “grassland” and “urban” showed low connectivity and frequency of use. The ecosystem services “aesthetic value/amenities/inspiration” and “recreation/ecotourism” showed high connectivity with the methodologies and high frequency of use whereas “forest products” and “natural resources” showed low connectivity and frequency of use. This study identified trends in ecosystem service valuation research in South Korea, and these trends can be used to guide the direction of future research and aid in the selection of methodologies according to ecosystem type and services. [Key Words] Two-Mode Network, Economic Valuation, Ecosystem Assessment, Meta-Analysis