Determinación del valor económico del bosque de Polylepis en la Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo.

Abstract

The present investigation proposes: determining the economic value of the Polylepis Forest in the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve; from the validation of the baseline and the application of the travel cost method to know the real value of it. In the characterization, its components were defined: physical, biotic and social; determining geological, geomorphological, soil, hydrological and climatological characteristics of the study site, determining that it is a relict characterized by having slopes and irregularities, with slightly acid soils, converted into the habitat of 18 species and 6,252 individuals of flora. In the social component, 14 communities were defined, located in the area of influence with 1817 inhabitants, who dedicate themselves to economic activities such as agriculture, livestock, construction, manufacturing production and tourism. On the other hand, in the economic valuation of the forest, an annual value of $ 4'198.022 was determined, which is integrated to the value that this area has for society and contributes in this way to the rational and fair decision making on. In addition, its use and conservation is not intended simply to put a price on the site and its environmental services, but to determine a monetary indicator that reflects the value it has for users. It is concluded that these results could be used to have a greater sense of social and environmental responsibility, as well as contribute to a better planning and sustainable management of the reserve.

Key words: BASIC LINE - PHYSICAL COMPONENTS - BIOTIC COMPONENTS - ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL TOURISM - SUSTAINABLE TOURISM.