Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services of Qurumber National Park in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Communities in high-altitude regions are particularly dependent on ecosystem services for their survival. Understanding the economic value of ecosystem services is crucial for sustainable management of mountain ecosystems and associated policy development. This study estimated the economic value of selected ecosystem services provided by the Qurumber National Park (QNP) using data collected from 393 local households. This value was estimated as PKR 738.37 million (US$ 4.28 million 1 ) per year, corresponding to PKR 615,308 (US$ 3569 1 ) per household per year. Provisioning services contributed PKR 706.828 million (US$ 4.01 million 1 ) per year which constituted 96 per cent of the ecosystem service value. This study argues that given the lack of economic opportunities and high poverty rate in the valley communities, pressure on the park’s resources is increasing, resulting in depletion of important ecosystem services in the park, thereby posing a key challenge for conservation efforts. This study recommends a need to better recognise the ecosystem services provided by the park in policy decisions. An efficient institutional mechanism should be developed to provide alternative livelihood options for the local community to minimise pressure on the park’s natural resources. The findings of this study serve as baseline information for both researchers and policymakers to maintain this vitally important mountain national park.