Ecosystem Services Under Ecological Stress: the Case of the Former Aral Sea

Nazarkulov, Umidjan

Муҳандислик ва Иқтисодиёт · 2025-yil

Annotatsiya

The desiccation of the Aral Sea stands as one of the most dramatic examples of ecological degradation inmodern history, resulting in the collapse of vital ecosystem services that once sustained the environment and livelihoodsin Central Asia. This study investigates the economic valuation of ecosystem services in the former Aral Sea region, witha focus on provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach—includingmarket-based valuation, benefit transfer, and contingent valuation—this research estimates that the region suffers annualecosystem service losses ranging from USD 80 to 97 million. These include lost freshwater access, collapsed fisheries,increased dust-related health costs, and degradation of biodiversity and cultural heritage. The results highlight the urgentneed to incorporate ecosystem service valuation into environmental policy, restoration planning, and regional developmentstrategies. Moreover, the strong local willingness to invest in restoration efforts demonstrates public support forecological and economic recovery. The findings provide a replicable framework for ecosystem assessment in ecologicallystressed regions and reinforce the importance of nature-based solutions in post-disaster recovery contexts.

Maqola ma’lumotlari
MualliflarNazarkulov, Umidjan
JurnalМуҳандислик ва Иқтисодиёт
Nashr sanasi2025-06-01
Jild3
Son6
TilIngliz

Kalit so‘zlar

Aral Sea; ecosystem services; economic valuation; ecological degradation; restoration planning

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