Oregon Marketplace: Conclusion

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An Oregon Ecosystem Marketplace

As this paper has demonstrated, while there are potential limitations to implementing a multi-credit ecosystem marketplace in the Willamette Basin, they need not prevent implementation from being successful. Overall, the opportunity exists within Oregon to make the concept of an ecosystem marketplace a reality. Indeed, there are actions that can be taken now to begin advancing the concept. An important first step is the development of a reliable and efficient accounting system. In addition, legislation or an executive order addressing the development of a multi-credit ecosystem marketplace and initiation of a pilot project could help in providing support to the effort. Addressing the limitation on the sale of wetland mitigation credits to third parties would also be helpful.

As one economist recognized, "While mainstream economists view the economy as an open system of pure exchange value with externalized environmental consequences, the steady progression of humanity toward the carrying capacity of the earth will require that economic activity be reconceived as a closed system within which environmental consequences must be considered." The concept of a multi-credit ecosystem marketplace fully embraces this statement. Overall, these are exciting times for practitioners, landowners and investors because an ecosystem marketplace is a tool that can concentrate conservation efforts and investments, as well as diversify income for landowners, and can result in a more ecologically significant landscape.

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Draft Executive Order
Draft Executive Order: Ecosystem Markets in Oregon
Habitat Assessment Tool
A Habitat assessment tool for multi-credit banks that calculates improvements or damage to a site through a single resource lens.