Exploring the Nexus Between Ecosystem Services and Economic Sustainability: A Stakeholder Perspective

ABSTRACT Unlocking the power of ecosystem services reveals how their integration can drive meaningful economic sustainability and shape future development strategies. This study takes a multifaceted approach to explore the relationship between ecosystem services (ES) and economic sustainability, employing a rigorous quantitative research design. Data were gathered from 147 business leaders, 111 government officials, and 150 environmental and economic researchers using purposive sampling, with subsequent analysis conducted via SPSS software. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between the value of ES and economic sustainability indicators at both regional and national levels. Policy interventions that focus on enhancing ES valuation were found to lead to improved economic outcomes and long‐term sustainability. Furthermore, stakeholder collaboration emerged as a crucial factor in boosting the effectiveness of ecosystem management practices. Economic sectors that are heavily reliant on ES demonstrated greater resilience and adaptability to environmental changes compared to those with limited reliance. Moreover, the integration of ES valuation into economic decision‐making processes was shown to foster more informed and sustainable development strategies. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive approach, which integrates quantitative data analysis, policy evaluation, stakeholder perspectives, and sector‐specific assessments to provide a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between ecological conservation and economic prosperity. These findings underscore the critical role of ES in enhancing economic resilience and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of their strategic integration into policy frameworks and decision‐making processes for future development.