This multi-authored book provides ‘a comprehensive assessment of the fundamental ecological and economic principles of measuring and valuing ecosystem services and biodiversity’. Its primary purpose is to contribute to the understanding of economic significance of biodiversity and ecosystem resilience for human well-being. In order to achieve this, existing frameworks’ linking ecology and economics are reviewed before a revised conceptual framework is presented. Each subsequent chapter is then linked to an aspect of this framework. The discussions within these chapters cover a broad range of issues, which are first introduced and then critically evaluated. The emphasis is on the challenges that occur within biodiversity/ecosystem service valuation encompassing the dynamics of ecology, the merits of biophysical indicators, the socio-cultural context within which valuation takes place and the wider issues associated with valuation, including ethical considerations. The final chapter attempts to bring the material together within a summary synthesis, highlighting the issues/challenges alongside recommendations for further work.

Each chapter has its own contents page and key messages, an attempt to give the impression of a coherent whole, but which in practice adds little. They are not particularly useful if the chapter itself has not been read. It is not a text for those looking to skim across some key points in order to gain an overview introduction to the subject matter. Nevertheless, the value of the text is within the detailed content of individual chapters providing an excellent resource for those, whether academic or practitioner, prepared to read a whole chapter or chapters.