Gross Ecosystem Product as a Measure of Natural Capital Value: An Italian Experience

Preserving natural capital and the services it provides to humanity is crucial, yet integrating ecosystem services (ES) into policy and practice remains challenging. The Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) concept was introduced as an aggregate monetary value of ES, offering a new metric to guide decision-making beyond traditional economic indicators like GDP. Originally developed in China, this study adapts the GEP framework to the European context, using a case study in the Apennines east of Parma, Italy. The methodology involves identifying key ES, biophysical quantification, and economic valuation to aggregate these into a single GEP metric. Results demonstrate that regulating services, such as habitat quality and erosion protection, significantly contribute to GEP, highlighting the essential link between ecological and economic systems. This approach supports spatial policy development, natural capital enhancement, and community planning, providing a comprehensive tool for integrating ES values into broader decision-making contexts, from national accounting systems to urban and regional planning.