Ecosystem Service Preference of Forest People: A Study in Madhupur Sal Forest of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study investigated the ecosystem service preference of forest people in Madhupur Sal forest and the factors contributing to their preference towards those services. Data were collected through a personal interview with 230 respondents with four focus group discussions. Majority of the respondents comprised ethnic people (the Garo) of the region. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents (89.8%) possessed moderate to high knowledge regarding ecosystem service. They identified 16 ecosystem services where ‘Forest identity’, ‘Crop cultivation’, and ‘Maintenance of social relation’ were perceived as the top services. The ecosystem service preference differed among respondents of different locations of the forest where people living inside the forest and living 1-2 km of forest appreciated cultural service most. The variation observed in service preference among different ethnic groups and Garo Sangsharek community’s preference towards ecosystem service was much higher than the other two communities (Garo Christian and Bengali). Results of multiple regression analysis showed that respondents’ age, ecosystem service knowledge, residence distance from forest, and forest dependency were the contributing factors that influenced their preference towards ecosystem services. The research results offer relevant information that is helpful for ecosystem-related studies in Bangladesh.