Accounting of ecosystem services from microalgae in wetlands of Shivamogga district, KarnatakaCite

Conclusion

Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems that support biodiversity and provide an array of ecosystem services. Wetland services include the provision of food (fish, fodder), water (domestic, irrigation), recreation, nutrient cycling, climate regulation, water purification, flood prevention, erosion control, aquifer recharge, carbon sequestration, and maintenance of biodiversity Microalgae in wetlands are very important from an ecological and economic point of view. They serve as a food source for consumers in the aquatic food chain. Microalgae are explored commercially as they are a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Microalgae help in phycoremediation, CO₂ sequestration, and biofuel production. Microalgae in wetlands provide various provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. The provisioning, regulating, and cultural services provided by microalgae in the wetlands of Shivamogga district were 1446, 3576, and 575 million Rs/year respectively. The total ecosystem supply value (TESV) of ecosystem services provided by microalgae accounted to 5597 million rupees per year, and the net present value (NPV) of wetlands in Shimogha district accounted to 144 billion rupees. The quantification of ecosystem services of wetlands of Shivamogga district, Karnataka highlights the contribution toward the welfare of society and also promote ecosystem conservation through active participation of all stakeholders.

Acknowledgement

We thank the ENVIS Division, The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for the sustained support to ecological research.