Chapter 4 - Valuing ecologically sensitive area’s ecosystem services in Bhitharkanika: implications for sustainable management

Abstract

Ecologically sensitive areas (ESA) are not adequately incorporated into natural accounting in Bhitharkanika. This chapter examines the extent of the overall ESA area and current literature on the economic valuation of the ESA ecosystem services. Although the Ecosystem service (ES) assessment has begun to receive global attention, the site-specific overall ESA literature is still scarce. The Bhitharkanika mangroves 15,394ha were the subject to most of them, several other ESA have been ignored (Salt marsh 45ha, Mudflats 1079ha, Sand dunes 133ha, Turtle nesting grounds 200ha, Nesting ground of birds 67,139ha, Horseshoe crab habitat 173ha) or not addressed. From 57 studies covering all major ESA, we compiled 83 value estimates for 25ES. The available estimates indicate that the mangroves value was the highest (USD 10,406ha/yr). Qualitative gap analysis has been carried out for the livelihood and biophysical data availability of the ES.