Valuation and conservation of the Peruvian Puna Ecosystem: Economic and ecological perspectives

Focusing on the Andean Puna ecosystem, a network of interconnected grasslands, wetlands, and shrublands, this review article examines how Andean communities in Peru perceive their economic value. The Puna’s ecological services are crucial, making it a vital natural resource. The research was conducted by the authors in two Peruvian regions (Ancash in 2014 and Pasco in 2011) and we compared residents’ perceptions of the grasslands’ economic value and the indirect environmental benefits they provide. Both studies utilized the well-established contingent valuation method, as common tool in economic valuation. Interestingly, while residents in both regions expressed a willingness to pay for these services, the amounts differed significantly (US$ 1.60 per household/month in Pasco compared to $ 0.82 in Ancash). This disparity suggests that environmental context, the directness with which communities experience benefits, and variations in social environments and economic activities all play a role in shaping perceptions. The study emphasizes the importance of increasing education and awareness to ensure communities fully appreciate the valuable environmental products and services provided by the Puna ecosystem.