If Not Counted Does Not Count? A programmatic reflection on methodology options and gaps in Total Economic Valuation studies of pastoral systems

The substantial value of pastoral systems remains largely invisible to local, national and regional calculations of economic performance (for example the construction of GDP). Official data continue to be used even when their reliability is known to be poor. A complementary framework in cost-benefit analysis, known as Total Economic Valuation (TEV), is increasingly being used by NGOs and regional bodies to help put onto the map the many aspects of economic value contributed by pastoral systems– contributions that are presently not counted. This Issue Paper provides a practical tool for those interested in carrying out work on the TEV~of pastoralism.