Resource+utility+(natural+capital+and+services)

RESOURCE UTILITY (NATURAL CAPITAL AND SERVICES) – “Polar bears form a vital part of the economies and cultures of many arctic regions” (p.310) – “Sports hunts generate income for local communities, as does polar bear tourism... (p.310) – Contrast between market economy (surplus) with traditional aboriginal economy (subsistence)
 * Polar Bear has **ecologic**; **social** and **economic (market)** value
 * Polar bear important part of Arctic ecosystem
 * Many people in the north of Canada rely on the hunt for food supply among other things like furs for clothing
 * Aboriginals have spiritual and cultural relationship with polar bear
 * Value of Polar Bear based on market for hunting experience, tourism, and hides

Polar Bears are quite valuable, both dead and alive. They play an integral part in the balance of the arctic ecosystem. In Churchill Ontario, there is a great tourist draw for Whales and Polar Bears, while first nations have been relying on their fur and meat for centuries. In addition, the social value of these creatures is very much spiritual and of significant importance for many people. Their is a human connection that involves Polar Bears and ones understanding of the Arctic. It wouldn't seem like the Arctic without these integral beasts. Climate change many be threatening their habitat, but the resilience of this species will hopefully prove true regardless of human intervention. Finding the balance between the very different utilities of the polar bear is difficult because most people wouldn't want to see them as a utility.