Estimation of total economic value of forest resources: A case study of Camili biosphere reserve area

Although most of the products and services provided by forest resources do not have markets directly, they have important economic values. By estimating the economic value of these products and services, sustainable forest resources management can be ensured, better functional planning can be made and contribution of forests to national economy can be presented more accurately. This study aims to construct a conceptual framework about market and non-market products and services of forest resources in Turkey and valuation methods used in economic valuation of these products and services and also to estimate total economic value of forest resources with maximum number of value components in the example of Camili Biosphere Reserve Area which is the first and only biosphere reserve area of Turkey. The economic values of wood based forest products, non-wood forest products, honey production, grazing and carbon sequestration are estimated by market prices; the economic values of soil protection, watershed protection and option value of pharmaceuticals are estimated by benefit transfer method, the economic value of recreation is estimated by travel cost method and contingent valuation method and the economic value of non-use values are estimated by contingent valuation method. As a result of study, based on minimum values it is determined that outstanding functions in total use values are apiculture and honey production (51,89%), carbon sequestration (21,48%) and recreation (16,93 %). Also it is revealed that in order to sustain functional forest resources management, it is necessary to estimate economic value of ecosystem services, include these subjects in related plans and regulations and eliminate lack of data problem encountered in economic valuation.