Valoración económica ambiental por el método contingente del páramo los Cubillines en la provincia de Chimborazo.

Abstract

The objective of this research was to obtain by means of the contingent valuation method the environmental economic value of Los Cubillines moorland in the province of Chimborazo. To obtain the environmental economic value of Los Cubillines moorland the goods as the existing flora and fauna in the ecosystem were identified and the main environmental services were emphasized being these services of provision, regulation services and cultural services. Through workshops on the study site, was obtained the main productive activity which is livestock , and it was interacted with the actors and beneficiaries of the environmental goods and services, in this case, stock breeders and settlers in the vicinity of the area. Within the environmental goods, the flora characterization was carried out by means of the selection of plots make an inventory of around 40 herbaceous shrub species native of the moorland. This preliminary process contributed to the determination of the opportunity cost of milk production at 217,98 USD and the application of surveys to breeders in the sector and to the inhabitants who benefit from the hydric production service, they served to obtain the perspective the society has, revealing a disposition to pay (DTP) of 0.10 USD for the conservation of Los Cubillines moorland, while the ranchers indicated that they would be willing to be compensated if they receive incentives through productive projects greater on the profitability of the milk production that would be on average 418,75 USD. In knowing the Willingness to Pay and the Willingness to be Compensated, a mechanism of payment for environmental services has been carried out together with the population, in order to create an environmental fund for the conservation of Los Cubillines moorland. The proposed mechanism of payment for environmental services can serve as a basis for achieving the sustainable management of Los Cubillines moorland.