FOREST ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND THEIR VALUATION IN MIZORAM, THE EASTERN EXTENSION OF THE HIMALAYA

This paper examines forest ecosystem services and their valuation in Mizoram, the eastern extension of the Himalaya. This study was conducted by applying two approaches – qualitative and quantitative. The data were mainly gathered from secondary sources – the State of Environment Report of Mizoram, Aizawl, and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Aizawl, Mizoram. Data on wetlands within the forest areas were also gathered from the Forest Survey of India 2019. Field observation was conducted to verify the data on the ground. The author visited several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and observed the rich forest ecosystem services. Mizoram obtains a rich floral diversity ranging from tropical wet forests to sub-temperate wet and dry forests and montane evergreen forests. About 86% of the total geographical area is covered by forest. Of which, 50% forest area is covered by bamboo forests. Here, bamboo has 27 species. The valuation of forest ecosystem services – tangible and intangible was carried out and benefits from different forest products were calculated. The study reveals that Mizoram has a very high value in ecosystem services. The annual valuation of tangible ecosystem services was noted from fuelwood, followed by timber, small wood, and poles. In terms of annual valuation of intangible ecosystem services, the highest was from pollination, followed by food and livelihood security, and prevention of soil erosion, and landslides. However, the use of ecosystem services is just negligible. Most of the services are unused. Even, tourism, mainly natural and eco-tourism has high potential but it is not developed yet. If the ecosystem services are used sustainably, the rural poor can enhance their livelihood, and the state government can earn sufficient revenue.