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What is the Consumptive Value of Biodiversity?

Published in Biodiversity Economics 2 mins read

The consumptive value of biodiversity refers to the products from nature that can be harvested and consumed directly by people. It is considered one of the direct values derived from biodiversity, alongside productive use-values.

Based on the provided reference, the consumptive use values involve natural resources that are collected and consumed locally, primarily for meeting immediate needs rather than for commercial sale on a wider market.

Key Aspects of Consumptive Value

  • Direct Use: It involves the immediate use and consumption of natural resources.
  • Local Scale: Resources are typically collected and consumed within the local community or region.
  • Meeting Subsistence Needs: It often relates to activities that support livelihood and survival.

Examples of Consumptive Value

The reference highlights practical examples illustrating how biodiversity provides consumptive value:

  • Fishing for Food: Catching fish directly from rivers, lakes, or oceans to be eaten by the individuals or community who caught them.
  • Using Plants for Medicine: Collecting wild plants for traditional medicinal purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health within the local community.

These examples demonstrate how ecosystems rich in biodiversity offer essential resources that people can utilize directly from the environment for food, health, and other basic needs, contributing significantly to local well-being and subsistence.