Determining the payment for ecosystem services of mangrove forests: The approach combining ecosystem services and social-economic level and application in Shankou National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

Abstract

Mangrove wetlands are among the ecosystems with the highest value of ecosystem services worldwide. Determining the standards of payment for ecosystem services based on the value of ecosystem services is a crucial aspect of the socio-ecological feedback linked to ecosystem services. The gap between the current standards of payment for ecosystem services and those based on the value of ecosystem services may result in inadequate sustainability and effectiveness of ecosystem conservation and management. In view of this, this study aims to determine the standard of payment for mangrove ecosystem services based on the value of mangrove ecosystem services, and subsequently identify the gap in the current payment. This study assessed the value of mangrove ecosystem services in the Guangxi Shankou Mangrove Ecological National Nature Reserve based on the distinction of use value and the non-use value, and then calculated the standard of payment for mangrove ecosystem services by combining social-economic level. The results indicate that the establishment of the nature reserve has effectively increased the value of mangrove ecosystem services. However, the local residents' lack of awareness of the value of mangrove ecosystem services and the current standard of payment for mangrove ecosystem services is substantially low, which has resulted in a low willingness to participate in mangrove conservation.