Assessment and valuation of key ecosystem services provided by two forest ecosystems in Turkey

The study was designed to quantify value and the spatial distribution of key ecosystem services such as wood production, habitat for biodiversity, carbon sequestration and air quality regulation in two areas: Ereğli and Yeşilkuşak of Turkey. Wood production was quantified using forest inventory data and yield tables. Carbon storage was estimated based on the above - and below - ground biomass, deadwood and litter and soil. Habitat for species was characterized with a practical method based on the protection categories of stands. Vegetation cover in close proximity to the artificial surfaces and total health care cost avoided by the vegetation were used to quantify air quality regulation. Value transfer method was used in the valuation of ES in both areas. Average amount of wood production is quite low (5.7 m³/ha in Ereğli and 6 m³/ha in Yeşilkuşak) compared to the overall average (72 m³/ha) in Turkey. The amount of carbon is largely low (64-100 tC/ha), indicating poor to medium capacity of the areas. The value of habitat for biodiversity is medium with some crucial habitats and target species. Both areas indicate low air quality regulation capacity. Total economic value of the key ecosystem services was estimated $438,128,571 in 2017 ($127,303,516 for Yeşilkuşak, $310,825,054 for Ereğli). Composition and configuration of ecosystems determine the sustainable provision of ecosystem services. The potential economic value of ecosystems constitutes the basis for trade-off analysis in allocating best land use and utilization strategy. Developing enabling environment, accessing the best use of technologies and adopting best practice example for realizing sustainable forest management initiative is proposed to be the apparent strategy to enhance the role of ecosystem services in livelihood.