Evaluating Stakeholder Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Ecosystem Services in Kole Wetlands of Kerala for Effective Conservation Planning

Kole wetlands in Kerala are a multifunctional sub-sea level wetland rice agroecosystem with high ecological significance and are one of the most productive as well as threatened wetland in the State. This study attempts to identify the various ecosystem services provided by the Kole wetlands and examine the stakeholder priority for ecosystem services through preference ranking analysis using Garrett’s ranking method. Payment card method was used to estimate the stakeholder willingness to contribute for the conservation in terms of willingness to pay (WTP) and analysed the factors that affect their WTP using an ordinary least square regression model. The data were collected from 50 stakeholders equally representing the major stakeholder groups from three block panchayaths having highest Kole wetland area. The study identified 20 ecosystem services supplied by Kole wetlands illustrating its multifunctional vital role in sustaining ecological and human systems. Stakeholders prioritised the water-related ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and flood water regulation as the most important service reflecting its critical importance in daily life and agriculture. Estimated mean annual WTP was Rs.211 indicating a general willingness among stakeholders to contribute financially to conservation efforts, as a coping strategy for water related natural disasters. Stakeholder group, Kole tourists were willing to contribute highest amount with mean annual WTP of Rs.248, expecting an improvement of recreational amenities in tourist spots. Stakeholders with higher incomes, larger land holdings, and greater awareness are more willing to pay for the conservation of the Kole wetlands. The insights from the study are valuable for guiding conservation strategies and resource allocation, along with ensuring the supply of essential services and exploring the opportunities for economic diversification, that are crucial to secure necessary financial and non-financial support for the management of Kole wetland ecosystem in a sustainable way.