Valuation of Ecosystem Services from Planted Forests: Prevention of Wind Erosion-a Case Study from Haryana, India

A study was conducted in Haryana, India to estimate the value of regulation function of planted forests related to the prevention of damage caused by wind erosion. The region is dry, sandy and barren with low rain fall. The crop production is adversely affected due to wind erosion. Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was applied to assess local's willingness to pay (WTP) for raising plantations and its maintenance for mitigating the impact of wind erosion. The mean WTP was estimated @ ₹448.00 per house hold per annum, while the collective WTP of respondents for raising plantations was estimated @ ₹ 3049.00 per hectare per year.