Valoración económica ambiental del recurso vegetal de la parroquia San Sebastian del Coca

Abstract

Despite the ecological importance of San Sebastián del Coca Parish in La Joya de los Sachas canton, lack of environmental awareness and increasing economic pressure pose significant challenges to its conservation and sustainable use. Although its rich vegetation offers a variety of environmental services, its capacity to maintain them is threatened by these factors. The objective of the research was to value both economically and environmentally the parish's plant resources using specific valuation techniques to ensure resource sustainability in the study area. Data were collected through surveys, direct observation and review of documents such as the Development and Land Use Plan, as well as field measurements and laboratory analysis. Subsequently, a statistical analysis was performed through ANOVA using SPSS software, while the economic valuation was carried out using direct market methods and the Contingent Valuation Method. The findings indicated that community perceives environmental services favorably, giving them an average rating of 8.79 out of 10. Despite an annual willingness to pay of 40,250 USD, it was observed that less than 50% of the respondents were willing to contribute. The overall economic value of the plant resource was calculated at 16,260,873 USD, which underlines the relevance of recognizing and considering environmental benefits in the management and valuation of natural resources. In conclusion, the San Sebastián del Coca Parish population values environmental services positively. However, the willingness to pay for improvements faces challenges due to scarce employment and low income. Although the economic value of the plant resource underscores the need for management plans, their implementation is limited by a lack of participation and distrust of the authorities.