Identification of Conservation Priority Zones Using Spatially Explicit Valued Ecosystem Services: A Case from the...

Area of Science:

• Ecology and Environmental Management
• Conservation Science
• Ecosystem Services Assessment

Background:

• Identifying conservation priority zones (CPZs) is crucial for effective ecosystem services (ESs) research.
• The Indian Sundarbans present a unique ecological landscape requiring targeted conservation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demarcate conservation priority zones (CPZs) in the Indian Sundarbans.
• To integrate ecosystem services (ESs) and ecosystem health (EH) for a comprehensive conservation approach.

Main Methods:

• Estimation of ESs using biophysical, economic, and hybrid methods.
• Assessment of ecosystem health (EH) via the vigor-organization-resilience (VOR) model.
• Calculation of risk characterization value (RCV) and correlation analysis between ESs and EH components.

Main Results:

• The mangrove ecosystem provides the highest economic value of ESs (US$19,144.9 million/year).
• The Gosaba block, characterized by dense mangrove forests, received the highest conservation priority score.
• Identified CPZs align closely with existing biodiversity zonation maps.

Conclusions:

• The integrated ESs and EH approach effectively identifies critical conservation areas in the Sundarbans.
• The findings provide a scientific basis for policy formulation and environmental management in the region.
• This study offers valuable insights for protecting high-value ecosystems like the Sundarbans.