Total Economic Value

 Warning, slightly technical post coming.

If you own rural property, especially if that is a forest, you should pay special care at its value – and remind it as the season to prevent forest fires is drawing to an end. And for that, the Total Economic Value (TEV) framework offers a comprehensive perspective for understanding the full suite of benefits forests provide - not just timber or land, but also carbon sequestration, water regulation, recreation, and cultural values. And it helps you to consider the aggregated value of each of these dimensions.

By incorporating TEV into their valuation considerations, forest owners can better capture the true worth of their land, making informed decisions that reflect both market and non-market benefits. This approach not only supports sustainable management but also strengthens the case for conservation investments and responsible stewardship, helping you to understand now the future of forests as a full asset – and, maybe even, to start generating part of that value in the present.

From a sustainability perspective, and as global attention shifts toward ecosystem services and natural capital, recognizing the total value of forests is essential for ensuring their protection and long-term prosperity – so, aligning sustainability to economic and financial values. If each forest landowner recognizes the broader perspective on forest value (now and potential), than it will be easier to ensure both economic returns for landowners and ecological resilience for future generations.