Wetland Value Estimate Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the wetland value estimate calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Total Annual Ecosystem Value
total_annual_value = wetland_area_ha * per_ha_totalValue per Hectare
value_per_hectare = per_ha_totalFlood Control Total
flood_total = wetland_area_ha * flood_control_per_haVariables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
wetland_area_ha | Wetland Area(hectares) | 100 |
flood_control_per_ha | Flood Control Value(USD/ha/yr) | 4000 |
water_purification_per_ha | Water Purification Value(USD/ha/yr) | 2500 |
carbon_storage_per_ha | Carbon Storage Value(USD/ha/yr) | 1500 |
per_ha_total | Derived value= flood_control_per_ha + water_purification_per_ha + carbon_storage_per_ha | calculated |
How It Works
Valuing Wetland Ecosystem Services
Wetlands provide valuable services including flood mitigation, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and habitat for biodiversity.
Formula
Annual Value = Area (ha) x (Flood Control + Water Purification + Carbon Storage per ha)
Peer-reviewed estimates put wetland ecosystem services at $3,000-$15,000 per hectare per year, making wetlands among the most valuable ecosystems per unit area. Destroying wetlands means losing these free services permanently.
Worked Example
A 100-hectare wetland with typical service values.
wetland_area_ha = 100flood_control_per_ha = 4000water_purification_per_ha = 2500carbon_storage_per_ha = 1500
- 01Per-hectare total = $4,000 + $2,500 + $1,500 = $8,000/ha/yr
- 02Total annual value = 100 x $8,000 = $800,000/year
- 03Flood control portion = 100 x $4,000 = $400,000/year
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Wetland Value Estimate Calculator