Valuation of ecosystem services in longos Acarlar Wetland

As known, ecosystems provides multiple benefits that people use, consume and enjoy which are called as ecosystem services. These life supporting functions of nature which are vital for the sustainability of the life on earth, have not been clearly defined in economic literature. The idea behind the valuation of the ecosystem services aims to illustrate how valuable these services are. Objectives of this approach can be listed as; monetary valuation of ecological benefits not included in economical analyses; economic assessment of impacts created while benefiting from nature, and also making nature's values visible in the existing market system. In short, it is intented to define ecosystem values and biodiversity in the ecological and economic systems together. In this study, ecosystem services, environmental problems and threats have been searched in the Wetland of Lake Acarlar and Longos which is of both national and international importance. Following the field survey, existing ecosystem services on the site has been ascertained and two of them have been studied in detail. Monetary value of the wastewater treatment service provided by the wetland and Loddon lily (Leucojum aestivum) which is the ecological symbol of the site and has substantial contribution to the livelihood and well-being of the people living around the lake has been assessed.