The Economic Value of Forest Environmental Services for Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict in the Village Around Management Section of National Park (MNSP) VI Besitang, Gunung Leuser National Park

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflicts is a serious problem that has been increasing in recent times. Conflict occurs as a result of high human activities around wildlife habitats. Conflict mitigation aims to reduce the problem of human conflict with wildlife. The valuation of forest environmental services was based on the quantitative value generated by natural resources and the environment, regardless of the market value of these goods and services. This study aims to determine the community’s willingness to pay (WTP) for forest environmental services in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts in Besitang, Langkat, North Sumatera. The study found five variables that affect the respondent’s WTP for environmental services to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, there are monthly income, community perception of forest protection and conservation, community behavior utilizing forest products, community behavior in forest protection efforts, and community behavior in efforts to improve forest function. Utilizing the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) as methodology, this study revealed the value of Rp.78,290/household/year contributes to paying for forest environmental services with a total WTP value of Rp. 739,992,105/year.