PRIORITIZING FOOD PRODUCTS, ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS AND SERVICES FROM PARAMO AND FOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN THE CHIMBORAZO PROVINCE

The study of the prioration of food products, goods and environmental services of the páramo and forest ecosystems of the province of Chimborazo focuses on the identification and valuation of the environmental services provided by the ecosystems of páramo and forest of the province of Chimborazo, in Ecuador. The study was conducted through an expert survey, literature review, social cartography and weighting methodologies. The results indicate that the most important ecosystem services are the provision of livestock and crop goods, water regulation, water for consumption, while the most valued environmental services are water regulation, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. Likewise, it was identified that the main problem in the province is the loss of ecosystems, especially moors and natural forests, due to anthropic activities and the misuse of resources such as water and soil. In addition, contamination by human waste to watersheds and rivers is recurrent in all cantons. Based on these results, there is a need to promote the conservation and restoration of páramo and forest ecosystems in the province, as well as to promote sustainable practices in agricultural and livestock production. It also suggests the implementation of mechanisms for economic valuation of environmental services to encourage their conservation and the development of sustainable economic activities.