If every living being has an inestimable value, can we estimate what humanity gains, financially, thanks to wild animals? This calculation, released Tuesday by Le Parisien-Journée in France , is not the work of an environmental protection association, but that of the IMF, the largest financial institution in the world. According to her, a single whale brings in $ 2 million in ecological service to the planet, in particular by capturing part of the carbon emitted into the atmosphere. Even a dead whale that runs aground on the ocean floor is useful, since it feeds many species of fish for several weeks.
On dry land, an elephant has 76 times more living interest than death. On a life-long scale, it brings in 14 million euros thanks to income from photo safaris. The elephant attracts tourists, brings hotels and guides to life. For comparison, an NGO specializing in the protection of endangered species in Africa indicates that the sale of ivory on the black market brings in 16,500 euros per animal. Not to mention the agricultural role of the elephant: it consumes seeds that germinate once passed through its intestine.
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The bee, a living being essential for human beings
Last example, also quoted by Le Parisien- Today in France , and probably the most eloquent: the bee remains the most important living being on the planet. British scientists estimate that 70% of global agriculture depends on these pollinating insects. The bee brings France between 2.3 and 5.3 billion euros, according to a study by the Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition when we are interested in the share of plant production intended for food human due to the role of bees.