VALUING THE RAIN-FOREST - THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF NONTIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS IN ECUADOR

This study calculates the value of three ha of primary forest in the U pper Napo region of Amazonian Ecuador based on the potential extractio n of nontimber forest products (NTFPs). Through ethnobotanical and mar ket surveys, the annual harvest levels, market prices and extraction c osts of seven fruits, three medicinal barks, and one resin are measure d. The present value of net revenue from NTFP collection is USD 2830 i n the upland plots and USD 1257 in the alluvial plot which is signific antly higher than the returns from alternative land uses in this area.