Aquatic Ecosystem Goods and Services: Evaluation Study in Rural Assam

Abstract

The aquatic ecosystems are generally utilized for irrigation, domestic purposes, manufacturing, hydroelectric power generation, sewage and industrial discharge, tourism, fishing, ground water recharge, nutrient recycling, etc. These multiple uses led to their overexploitation. With enormous pressure of population growth, growing water demands, erratic rainfall, low water use efficiency and overexploitation, these waters are becoming scarce, particularly in countries like India. The scenario of Inland open waters is more alarming. Therefore, it is pertinent to have an in depth analysis for tradeoffs among various uses towards sustainability of these aquatic resources. Present communication evaluated the governance issues; direct, indirect and non uses; and valued the goods and services provided by a natural aquatic ecosystem in Assam. The Charan floodplain wetland (beel) is a common pool aquatic ecosystem located in Morigaon district of Assam. It has an average area of 60 ha with ownership of State Revenue Department. Assam Fisheries Development Corporation leased it out for fisheries purposes to Morigaon Matsya Vyavsayi Samanvya Samiti Ltd for seven years at lease amount of Rs 4250/ha year. The direct uses ofthe beel are: fisheries; agriculture, recreation and tourism; domestic uses; fuel wood, fodder, Areca nut cultivation, etc. Its indirect uses are nutrient cycling, pollution reduction, biological/ecosystem support, groundwater recharge, etc. It also performs non use functions of biological conservation, aesthetics and cultural heritage. The total economic value of goods and services provided by the beel was estimated at Rs 50.24 lakh with highest share for fish (45 per cent) followed by natural resource use (34 per cent).

Keywords: Aquatic Ecosystem, Governance, Goods and services, Valuation