Architekturtechnik

Abstrakt

The Ecosystem Service Value of Old and Venerated Trees at the Summer Palace

Wenqi Yan, Liu Xiao-Ming

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ecosystem service value of old and venerated trees at the Summer Palace (Beijing, China) which are a significant part of the imperial classical garden, includes the economic values, natural ecological landscape values, and social values. This paper is based on a highly comprehensive multifactor evaluation system of 1,601 ancient trees and finds that the total value of the ecosystem services of the ancient trees at the Summer Palace is estimated at $128 million.

The method of determining ecosystem service values has four criteria that are included in a formula for quantifying these values. First, the value of these trees is partly determined by their economic value as a commodity and is determined by market forces. Second, according to their growth status, the value coefficient of their growth potential reflects their ecological and landscape values. Third, the social value of these trees, which includes their historical value, cultural value, and spiritual value, is determined according to historical records of significant historical periods, people, and events and includes couplets and plaques in the summer palace. Finally, the cost of management and maintenance is calculated according to national park standards.