Assessment of Ecosystem Services of Wetlands of the Volga–Akhtuba Floodplain

Abstract

The economic meaning of measures to water wetlands based on calculations of the economic value of their ecosystem goods and services is insufficiently studied in Russia. In this regard, it is difficult for decision-making authorities to adopt these measures as a strategy for sustainable management of natural resources. The purpose of the research is a monetary assessment of the regional benefits from ecosystem services of wetlands that the local community of the Lower Volga region will receive in connection with the rehabilitation of the Volga–Akhtuba floodplain. The study presents the magnitude and structure of these ecosystem services. The methodology of their economic assessment is given. It is established that by the period of full restoration of the hydrological regime of the Volga–Akhtuba floodplain (2035), the economic value of provisioning services of its wetlands, taking into account inflation and regional pricing, will be USD 87 ha−1 year−1, the economic value of cultural services—USD 77 ha–1 year−1, the economic value of regulation and maintenance services—USD 106 ha−1 year−1. The data obtained indicate the high importance of wetland irrigation measures for the Lower Volga region and allow us to consider them as a means of improving the quality of the environment and solving social problems of the region by decision-making authorities involved in the sustainable management of its development.