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IB ESS HL 7.1.7 Natural capital value types Question Bank

Practise IB ESS SL/HL 7.1.7 by applying natural capital value types concepts to exam-style environmental systems questions.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • identify the relevant environmental system, process or evidence
  • apply the correct ESS concept and explain the causal relationship
  • evaluate the outcome using ecological, social or management evidence

7.1.7—Natural capital value types question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Plans are being discussed to restore a much larger area of the marshes by using a greater amount of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Valuing ecosystems and willingness to pay to restore marshes

Figure:Valuing ecosystems and willingness to pay to restore marshes

Figure:Valuing marsh restoration

Ecosystems can be valued by placing a monetary value on natural income or by surveying stakeholders about willingness to pay to preserve species or habitats.
Villagers in South Eastern Iraq were asked how much they would be willing to pay to completely restore the marshes; Figuremaps the survey results.

With reference to Figure: Valuing marsh restoration (a) and Figure: Valuing marsh restoration (b) suggest two variables that might influence an individual's willingness to pay to restore the marshes.

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