International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Economic Valuation Training

06 Jul 2018

What will you learn?

Economic valuations can be resource-intensive, and significant expert´s knowledge is needed to conduct an analysis "from scratch" (i.e. to conduct an "original valuation study").

The training session will present a guidance that follows a tiered approach on how an economic valuation of “wet” ecosystem services in a transboundary project context can be implemented and how the economic valuation can be integrated into the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis/Strategic Action Programme process to inform decision-making.

Who is delivering the course?

This activity centres around Component 3 of the GEF LME:LEARN project, specifically Activities 3.5 and 3.6 which focus on the development of training modules and delivering training sessions which are regionally distributed to include GEF funded LME, ICM, MPA, and MSP project staff and linked strongly to the Regional Networks.

The activity focal points include the GEF LME:LEARN Project Coordination Unit, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and InterSus - Sustainability Services

Language of the course

This course is in English.

Interpretation in other languages will not be provided.

How will it be delivered?

This will be delivered as a one-day face to face training on 5 October 2018 in Panama.

For projects where resources and knowledge are limited (tier one projects) the training will demonstrate and enable participants to apply the “benefit transfer” method to obtain and estimate the economic values for ecosystem services that cannot be valued otherwise. In this interactive training a step by step approach (identification of relevant ecosystems services, guidance on how to obtain local market prices, guidance how to use the repository of original studies and guidance on how to effect the transfer of values from the original study to the project context) to obtain a first approximation of the ecosystem services will be presented.

For tier two projects with more resources at hand, i.e. projects which can dedicate sufficient funds for an original valuation of ecosystem services, participants will be presented with methods and approaches developed by IUCN, UNEP and others to assess the economic value of freshwater and marine ecosystem services.

Who should attend?

The training is intended for professionals (project managers, chief technical advisors, or project staff) responsible for planning and management of coastal and marine areas who want or have to implement an Economic Valuation as part of their project or activities.

What are the criteria?

Participants must:

  1. Proficient in English;
  2. Have either a good background in natural resource management or in environmental economics;
  3. Be actively engaged in Ecosystem Service or Valuation of Ecosystem Service related components of marine and coastal projects (LME, ICM, MPA, fisheries, climate change, biodiversity)

Please note: This course is not designed to deliver training on the basics of environmental economics or valuation. Kindly ensure that you meet all the criteria before applying.

How to apply for the course

Please nominate one (1) staff member of your project via email with the title “LAC Economic Valuation Training” to Natalie Degger (natalie@iwlearn.org) by 17 August 2018.

Applications or nominations must include the following:

  • The name and email address of the applicant or nominee;
  • The  name of the project (including the GEF ID where applicable) worked on;
  • A short sentence how the training will help enhance project implementation

Participants will be notified via email on Friday 24 August 2018 whether their application has been successful or not. Additional information on the face-to-face training will be provided.

(*) The GEF LME:LEARN project has some funds to support the participation of successful applicants to attend the face-to-face training in Panama. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis.