Economic Implications of Different Management Opportunities in Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR), Philippines

Abstract

Opportunity costs incurred in devoting the areas of MFR to agroforestry, grassland and timber production and combinations of them as well as the willingness to accept incentives of farmers to promote conservation were evaluated using the Net Present Value approach and contingent valuation. The main goal of the study is to determine the economic implications of different management options in the Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR) in the Philippines. Economic linkages between the local people and the conservation program in the area were also assessed. In this study, it was found that the analysis of the different options for MFR indicates that the conservation of remaining natural forests in tandem with agroforestry in all open ares yielded the highest stream of benefits. Therefore, appropriate strategies that would further integrate local economic concerns in agroforestry and natural forest conservation are necessary. It is recommended that the local people and the government seek optimal management opportunities in the conservation of MFR by partnering in the further development, restoration, and protection of the reserve.