How much does a forest reserve cost?: the case of El Robledal

Abstract

The results of direct and indirect economic valuation in 2005 of the “El Robledal” Forest Reserve are presented. This reserve is an Andean dry forest, located in the Guacheta and Raquira counties, in the Departments of Cundinamarca and Boyaca, respectively, Colombia, within the jurisdiction of the CAR, the regional environmental protection agency. The reserve is between 2,700 and 3,200 MASL and an area of 400.2 ha. Based on a 1994 LANDSAT TM satellite image, we estimated the forest cover of the reserve in just 173 ha. The forest was characterized in structure and composition with 12 randomly established plots of 2 x 50 m. The dominant woody species is Oak (Quercus humboldtii Bonpl.). Finally, we proceeded to find the direct economic values of productivity and subsistence, as well as indirect values rendered from environmental services: the value of timber, the value derived from the collection of firewood and the production of charcoal by the population living around the reserve and the value rendered by carbon sequestration. For the above purposes, economic valuation methods, such as market prices, contingent valuation, avoided or induced costs, based on transfer of benefits were used. It is concluded that the highest price is associated with the value of timber. The subsistence value, associated with illegal firewood collection and charcoal production is insignificant but also a subject of concern. A policy recommendation would be to transfer the subsistence value to the protection of the reserve. In light of sustainable development and ecological time, this resource should be considered non-renewable as it is a very old reserve.