Economic valuation of goods and environmental services in the micro-basin of river Illangama

Abstract

The objective of the research was to economically evaluate the environmental goods and services in the Illangama river micro-basin, using the contingent valuation method and the Leopold matrix. The research analysis reported that 75% of the urban population are willing to pay (DAP) and 91% of rural area are willing to receive (DAR) the economic contribution for the conservation of natural resources in the area. The indicators of environmental impacts were 34, divided into 7 positive (21%) and 27 negative (79%), and the number of Environmental Impact Units (UIA) studied were 1350, distributed in 270 positive (20%) and 1080 negative (80%). Among the most favored forest species is the Arrayan (Myrcianthes spp) and among the negative ones were the Higuerón (Ficus spp) and Aliso (Alnus glutinosa). Negative actions such as cattle ranching and grazing (29.17%) and introduction of flora (25.93%) were identified, which affect the permanence of native flora and fauna, as a consequence of the reduction of water flow. The results showed the limitations and potentialities in economic valuation and environmental impacts of the area. These indicators will help the development of sustainable management plans for the conservation of the micro-basins of the Bolivar province.