Manifestations of ecosystem scientific research services in national park and their value assessment: the case of Shennongjia National Park, China
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: As a vital yet often overlooked component of ecosystem services, scientific research services have received limited attention in both national park development and ecosystem service valuation. This study offers a systematic definition of the scope and functions of ecosystem-based scientific research services and proposes a comprehensive valuation framework. Using Shennongjia National Park as a case study, the paper employs both the direct cost method and the alternative cost method to quantify the value of these services. The findings indicate that: (1) scientific research services represent an ecological benefit that supports scientific inquiry and facilitates the advancement of knowledge, primarily through the provision of research subjects and field conditions; (2) the key manifestations of these services within Shennongjia National Park include the establishment of dedicated research platforms, the development of a monitoring network and data center, and the implementation of research projects and collaborative studies; (3) the value of these services is reflected in the attraction of research funding, investment in infrastructure, production of academic outputs (such as papers and monographs), and the training of postgraduate students; and (4) the average annual value of scientific research services in the park from 2019 to 2023 is estimated at USD 2.67 million. This study contributes to the theoretical advancement of ecosystem service classification and provides practical, data-driven support for managing research services and informing policy decisions within national parks, thereby enhancing recognition of their value and supporting the parks’ high-quality development.
Source: Sustainable Futures
Author: Dongjun Chen
Institution: Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,340
Award: G2112388043
OpenAlex ID: W4413353145