Appraisal of Forest Ecosystems Goods and Services: Challenges and Opportunities for Conservation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Valuation of ecosystem goods and services is essential to formulate sustainable development policies oriented towards the protection or restoration of ecosystems. The present study estimates the value of forest ecosystem of Uttara Kannada district by market price method. The total value of provisioning goods and services from the forests of Uttara Kannada district was estimated at Rs. 15,171 crores per year, which amoun ts to about Rs. 2 lakh per hectare per year. The study highlights the undervaluation of forest goods and services that is evident when the estimated total economic value of forest and the value of forest resources calculated in na tional income accounting framework are compared. The quantification of all benefits associated with the forest eco system goods and services would help in arriving at an appropriate policy and managerial decisions to ensure conservation while opting sustainable development path.