Evaluación del servicio ecosistémico de calidad del hábitat presente en la cuenca alta y media del Río Coca mediante el uso del paquete computacional InVEST 3.3.1.

Abstract

This research is part of the Pilot Project "The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) - of the Coca River Basin (Ecuadorian Amazon)" and evaluates the ecosystem service of habitat quality, corresponding to the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) software, using the Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) as indicators to determine the different anthropogenic affectations in the upper and middle basin of the Coca River. The results of the Habitat quality modeling for 2014 were calibrated and validated obtaining high yields. In addition, habitat quality by 2030 was modeled for three scenarios proposed by the TEEB Project: National Incentive Plan (PNI), Business As Usual (BAU) and Degradation Plan (DEG). The PNI scenario increases habitat quality by incorporating areas of reforested forest; the DEG puts pressure on the habitat of Tremarctos ornatus and Tapirus pinchaque and the BAU shows a decrease in habitat quality values. This information could support protection strategies in favor of conservation, allowing the corresponding authorities to carry out an appropriate management of the basin in terms of territorial management.