Assessment of urban forest ecosystem services using the i-Tree Eco Model in Chattogram City Corporation, Bangladesh

Urban forests provide essential ecosystem services to alleviate cities’ challenges. However, limited knowledge exists on total ecosystem services from urban forests in Bangladesh. The present study was carried out to explore the ecosystem services of urban forests in Chattogram City Corporation, Bangladesh, using the i-Tree Eco Model. Moreover, this study also assessed the public perceptions on ecosystem service provided by urban forests. A total of 208 circular plots (8.4032 ha), each measuring 0.0404 hectares, were surveyed. The results outlined that the total carbon stored by the urban forests of Chattogram City Corporation was 229,000 tons, whereas the average carbon density was 14.63 t C ha−1. Moreover, the annual carbon sequestration by urban forests was 2.13 t ha−1 year−1. Among the sampled species, Mangifera indica sequestered the highest 11% of the total sequestered carbon. Additionally, the trees in the city corporation removed approximately 1406.3 tons of air pollutants year−1, produced 83.32 thousand tons of oxygen year−1, saved electricity as a form of cooling services as 505.75 million kWh year−1, reduced runoff by 4042.03 thousand m3 year−1. The monetary worth of the urban forests was estimated to be 3.34 million USD, 0.48 million USD year−1, 9.95 million USD year−1, 8.89 million USD year−1, 33.4 million USD year−1, 3705.93 USD year−1, and 19.17 million USD year−1 for carbon storage, carbon sequestration, pollution removal, avoided runoff, oxygen production, cooling services, and for recreational benefits. Urban residents perceived very positively regarding the ecosystem services offered by urban forests. The assessment highlights the crucial role of urban forests in Chattogram City Corporation in promoting sustainability and mitigating climate change through air pollutant removal, while also revealing that residents hold positive perceptions of their health, well-being, and environmental benefits.