Forest Ecosystem Services: The Hidden Wealth of  Forests

Author:  Dibakar Deb, Silviculturist, Assam, Environment & Forest Department

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Introduction

Forests are invaluable assets, providing a plethora of ecosystem services that are essential for societal well-being. Yet, their contributions are often overlooked in traditional economic indicators. despite forests covering approximately 36% of Assam's landmass and contributing significantly to societal well-being, their economic value is unappreciated in traditional economic indicators, including the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Assam–5,70,243 Cr for 2023-24 https://prsindia.org/budgets/states/assam-budget-analysis-2024-25.

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A recent comprehensive study of Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services taken up by the Forest Department, Assam (2023-24) was an effort to quantify and value these forest ecosystem services, particularly focusing on the Garbhanga Reserved Forest, to formulate sustainable management and policy decisions. The primary objective of this study included establishment of benchmarks for forest ecosystem services (ES). By assessing the magnitude of ecosystem services, understanding drivers of change, refining quantification methods, and estimating economic values, this study was aimed to bridge the gap between science and policy for effective forest conservation and management.

 

Methodology

The methodologies used for assessing Forest Ecosystem Services (ES) in the Garbhanga Reserved Forest align with the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) ‘2005, The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) ‘2010. These frameworks offer a holistic view, emphasize economic valuation, and provide a standardized classification, respectively. Pre-survey activities involved using Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULC) maps to delineate various forest types and land uses. Sample points were assigned for biomass and carbon estimation using stratified random sampling. Data collection points for water flow and retention were chosen along rivers and streams, and locations of ethnic villages and local markets were identified for socio-economic data collection. Survey activities included laying out sample plots for tree biomass data collection and sub-plots for ground biomass and soil data. These methods provided a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem services in the Garbhanga RF.

 

Valuation Approaches

The research employed Market-based, Stated preference, and Revealed preference Approaches to value forest ecosystem services. Provisioning services like forest food, medicine, and firewood were highlighted for their economic worth. Bamboo was noted for its carbon sequestration potential and socio-economic significance. Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and various valuation techniques were also used & estimated, aiming to comprehensively assess the economic value of forest ecosystem services.

KEY FINDINGS:

Water Consumption

The study calculated domestic water consumption across 19 villages in the Garbhanga Forest ecosystem. The total yearly domestic water consumption for all villages combined is 95,239,450 litres, with an average daily consumption per household of 538 litres.

 

Forest Product Consumption

Consumption patterns of forest products, including forest food, ethnic medicine, MFP, small timber, firewood, bamboo, and fodder, were analysed. The data highlighted the significant reliance on forest resources for sustenance and livelihoods, underscoring the need for sustainable forest management practices.

 

Water Retention

The Garbhanga Forest ecosystem retains an average volume of 0.632 cubic meters of water per second during the dry season, equivalent to 1.477 × 10¹⁶ litres over 180 days. This retention is attributed to components like streams covering a length of 150.11 km altogether, stem biomass, crown biomass, litter, deadwood, and soil.

 

Temperature Regulation

The study found a consistent temperature difference between Garbhanga RF and Guwahati City, with Garbhanga generally cooler by approximately 3.27°C annually. The volume of air within the forest was estimated, and power consumption data for cooling were analysed, highlighting the forest's role in temperature regulation.

 

Soil Characteristics and Carbon Sequestration

Soil characteristics, including pH, organic carbon content, and nutrient levels, were assessed across different density classes within the Garbhanga Forest ecosystem. The total carbon sink of mature trees was estimated at approximately 15,35,649.527 metric tons, with a significant contribution to oxygen release.

 

Economic Valuation

The economic valuation of ecosystem services for the year 2023-24 included:

• Provisioning Services: Water consumption valued at ₹979.49 per capita per year and ₹5219.18 per hectare per year, forest produce valued at ₹49,015.28 per capita per year and ₹7225.71 per hectare per year.
• Regulating Services: Carbon sink valued at ₹4452.11 per hectare per year, temperature regulation valued at ₹4,27,64,520.34 per hectare per year, and water retention valued at ₹3,28,96,15,502.12 per hectare per year.
• Cultural Services: Valued at ₹3311.46 per hectare per year.
• Supporting Services: Soil nutrient provision valued at ₹8,99,997.00 per hectare per year, and oxygen release valued at ₹2,75,62,93,983.00 per hectare per year.

The NAV of the ecosystem services for Garbhanga RF for the year 2023 was calculated by discounting liabilities and expenses for maintaining the ecosystem from the Gross Asset Value (GAV) of the ecosystem services for the year 2023-24. The NAV of Garbhanga RF stands at ₹6,08,94,80,488.38 per hectare per year, highlighting their immense economic value.

 

Comparative Analysis of Forest Ecosystem Service Valuations

The economic valuation of ecosystem services in the Garbhanga Reserved Forests in Assam demonstrates substantial contributions compared to other regions. For example, water consumption in Garbhanga is valued at ₹5,219.18 per hectare per year, significantly higher than valuations by Mizoram University ‘2020 (₹427.00) and Costanza ‘1997 (₹316.46). Forest products, including food, medicine, and timber, are valued at ₹7,225.71 per hectare per year in Garbhanga, compared to ₹6,053.31 by Mizoram University. The carbon sink value in Garbhanga is ₹4,452.11 per hectare per year, vastly exceeding Mizoram's ₹154.51. Water retention in Garbhanga stands at ₹3,28,96,15,502.12 per hectare per year, far surpassing Costanza's and IIFM Bhopal's ‘2007 estimates of ₹570.00 and ₹474.69, respectively. Other services, such as temperature regulation, soil nutrient retention, cultural services, and oxygen release, are also valued significantly higher in Garbhanga. This analysis highlights the need to integrate these substantial economic contributions into policy and decision-making to ensure sustainable forest management and conservation. Recognizing the true worth of these ecosystem services can lead to better conservation outcomes and improved human well-being.

 

Conclusion

The economic value of forest ecosystem services is indispensable for sustainable development. Recognizing and quantifying these values are essential for informed decision-making and policy formulation aimed at conserving and sustainably managing ecosystems for present and future generations. The Garbhanga Reserved Forest serves as a critical case study, demonstrating the profound benefits that forests provide and the necessity of integrating their value into economic indicators like the GSDP.