The benefits of cyclones: A valuation approach considering ecosystem services

Cyclones (i.e. typhoons, hurricanes) are known for their destructive power and negative effects on livelihoods. Potential benefits are often ignored, when some people depend on cyclone impacts. Currently few publications on potential benefits exist, and most concern a single country or cyclone. This study documents an overview of the existing global knowledge on cyclone benefits and presents a regional focus on Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Japan. The results expand available options for ecosystem based adaptation schemes by highlighting how benefits can be valued as ecosystem services.

Responses from experts in South-East Asia suggest that although cyclones are commonly understood to result in detrimental effects; various cases proved to have practical benefits. Example benefits include an increase in soil organic matter content, eliminating the need for fertilizers; collecting increased wind power through wind farms; and selling collected debris as a form of additional income. The results further show which ecosystem service valuation approaches can be applied to the identified benefits of cyclones, and which type of services and valuation approaches require further attention. While cyclone impacts cannot be precisely anticipated, knowledge of their benefits and corresponding valuation approaches form an important basis to offset their devastation.