Economic Valuation of Water Supply as a Key Environmental Service Provided by Montane Oak Forest Watershed Areas in Costa Rica

Abstract

A methodological approach has been applied to conduct an economic appraisal of fresh-water supply in the montane forest zone of Costa Rica’s Savegre River watershed. Additionally, the case of a provincial utility company is presented in which mechanisms for payments of environmental services (water supply) are involved. It is concluded that these novel approaches to economically valuating key environmental services offered by these montane oak and non-oak forests can greatly contribute to their long-term conservation.