Economic valuation of ecosystem services in the Candarave geyser valley: A community perspective

Abstract

The Candarave Geyser Valley is an important high Andean ecosystem in Tacna, noted for its geothermal resources and biodiversity. In order to economically assess this ecosystem, the research was conducted using the contingent valuation method, with questionnaires administered to 242 adults. The results reveal a willingness to pay (WTP) of S/ 75,841.00 for the value of use (VU) and a non-use value (NUV) of S/ 1,693.00, totaling both as the total economic value (TEV), with an ecosystem value of S/ 2.80 per ha/year. Significant associations (p<0.05) were found in direct use value: between the recreational aspect of the ecosystem and the number of family members; the presence of grazing animals in the area; and the ecotourism value of the area with the number of family members willing to visit the Geysers. In indirect use value, no significant relationships were found between the ecosystem's environmental functions and the socio-economic characteristics of the population (p>0.05). Additionally, a significant association (p=0.000) was observed between the ecosystem's existence value and the amount of land owned. The economic valuation of the Candarave Geyser Valley emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable management of this high Andean ecosystem.