Integration-Valuation Nexus in Invasive Species Policy

This paper reviews recent work examining two topics of economic research vital for invasive species policy—integration and valuation. Integration requires bioeconomic models that blend invasive biology with economic circumstances and the feedback loops between the two systems. Valuation requires nonmarket valuation associated with human and environmental damages posed by invasive species. We argue for a second-level of integration in invasive species economics—valuation based on integration models. Policy prescriptions based on integration models need valuation work; valuation surveys need integration models—the two are complements. Valuation could be enhanced with integration in mind; integration could be made better with valuation in mind. An example from blending the two research areas is presented and its merits demonstrated. Key Words: invasive species, integrated economic-ecological modeling, nonmarket valuation Invasive species questions have long challenged policymakers in many countries and organiza-tions around the globe. In the United States, for instance, the number of non-native species is es-timated to be as high as 50,000 (Pimentel et al. 2000). Of these, some 5,000 have become es-tablished, and of those about 500 have become invasive (U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment 1993). An official invader is defined as a species that both is non-native and triggers costs to human or ecosystem health that outweigh any attendant benefits. Invasive species contrib-ute to biodiversity loss and can cause large eco