Prioritizing protection measures through ecosystem services valuation for the Napahai Wetland, Shangri-La County, Yunnan Province, China

A comprehensive valuation of ecosystem services for the Napahai Wetland, part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, reveals its significant economic and ecological contributions. The study estimated a total value of 237.96 million Yuan (approximately $35 million USD) for nine key ecosystem services, with tourism accounting for 43.7% of this value, followed by habitat (13.5%), nutrient conservation (9.7%), scientific research (8.1%), and flood control (7.2%). Product supply contributed the least at 9.7%, highlighting the wetland's greater role in sociocultural and life-support systems rather than direct economic output. Researchers used multiple valuation methods, including market pricing and contingent valuation, to assess these services. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted protection measures to safeguard this critical plateau wetland from degradation caused by natural factors and human disturbances.

Li, Y., Deng, H., & Dong, R. (2014). Prioritizing protection measures through ecosystem services valuation for the Napahai Wetland, Shangri-La County, Yunnan Province, China. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 22(2), 142–150. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2014.926298