Valoración Económica de un Ecosistema Bosque Tropical Petén, Guatemala

The aim of this is study is to set an economic value to the characteristics of a tropical forest, in terms of its attributes, functions and goods. The forest is located within a zone defined as of Multiple Use in the ‘Biósfera Maya’ Reserve (RBM) in Guatemala, known as El Petén. A partial evaluation was done using both previous research results and direct research in the area during one year. The methodology used was similar to the one used in Petexbatún Wetlands (Sención et al, 1992) in which the economic valuation was done using two types of wood - Cedrela odorata and Swietenia macrophylla; an ornamental plant - Chamaedorea sp; rubber taken from Manilkara achras tree; and rattan fiber Desmoncus sp.; the functions related to CO2 capture; to erosion control; and to the cycle of nutrients; and finally the attribute biodiversity. The contribution here proposed in terms of the methodology used relates to the analysis of the existence and flows of goods and functions, that allows for a more adequate integration among the operation of the ecosystem and its economic value.