If this is acceptable then by starting to even look for a theory of value we imply that there are circumstances where the rank given to a part of the environment is less than No. 1. To me the search for a theory of valuation is a search for a means to assist people to make choices which, in retrospect they will be proud that they made. Unfortunately, economic value is not a fixed, inherent property. Value depends on the nature of the thing itself, its relationship to and with many other things, and with those who evaluate it. By assessing values it is possible to compare trees with cars and labour with buildings and, through this process, assess the merits of different trade-offs.
Economic value is a relative concept.
It does not deal with absolutes. Ecologists object to the assignment of values for three main reasons. The first is the question of consumer sovereignty. Market prices reflect the prices that consumers are willing and able to pay. This assumes that consumers are the best judges of the value and that economy considerations are irrelevant.