The Economic Value of Conserving Ecosystems
The annual economic value of all ecosystem services of the twelve properties currently being protected by MMLT has been estimated at
$22.3 million
Forest: $11.3 million | Wetland: $11 million
Ecosystem services include:
- Long-term carbon storage (estimated 75,000 tonnes)
- Annual carbon sequestration (3,500 tonnes CO₂ absorbed/yr)
- Atmospheric pollutant control
- Habitat provision and biodiversity protection
- Pollination
- Minimal human disturbance (restricted and closed properties)
- Nutrient cycling
- Soil erosion control
- Soil formation and retention
- Flood control
- Water quality control
- Recreation, aesthetics, and other cultural values (open properties)
Please read our Impact Report for a more in-depth analysis of how MMLT’s conservation work benefits ecosystems, wildlife, and people.
Two sources were used for calculating the value of MMLT ecosystem services:
- Ecosystem service values as ecological indicator for land management decisions: A case study in southern Ontario, Canada; Carolyn N.M. DeLoyde, W.E. Mabee; 2023.
- Estimating Ecosystem Services in Southern Ontario; Austin Troy & Ken Bagstad; 2009.