Monetary valuation of rare plant species in the specially protected natural areas by example of the Samara Region (Russia)

Abstract

The approaches of assessing the ecosystem services are little implemented in Russia and are being developed recently at the regional level. Earlier, particular components of ecosystem services in the Samara Region have been evaluated. Here, an algorithm for monetary valuation of particular ecosystem services of specially protected natural areas is presented based on the data on rare and endangered plant species using the example of the Red List of the Samara Region. In total, 281 species of vascular plants have been analyzed, taking into account their spatial distribution in 27 municipal districts of the Samara Region. The ecosystem services were evaluated according to the formulas that took into account several parameters: (1) share of the area of specially protected natural areas; (2) number of tree and shrub species; (3) number of herbaceous plant species; (4) cost estimates; (4) expert assessments in the form of correction factors taking into account special value of relict and endemic species. The lower limit of the monetary value of ecosystem services, estimated by the only specially protected plant species, exceeds 50 million rubles. We suggest using this methodology for evaluating the ecosystem services in other territories, which will probably help to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of natural capital and natural ecosystems.