Preferences for the gifts of nature -ecosystem services- in green areas of Bogotá

Abstract

The preferences of the population of Bogotá for 29 benefits of nature in urban green areas were investigated. A total of 3149 surveys were applied in nine areas of urban parks, wetlands, rural areas, riverbanks, forest reserves and the edge of the city reserve. The most valued was clean air, followed by thinking about future generations, climate change mitigation and water. The most valued services were of the cultural and regulation type, while the population self-defined as rural, valued provision services better. It was found that the urban population values nature for its non-use value, since it has satisfied basic needs that allow it not to depend on it for its survival; unlike the peasant population that values nature for its use value by depending on it to live. It is recommended that the urban subject be the object of political training to include in his decisions an idea of rootedness, which complicates and promotes environmental well-being with a sense of belonging and use, typical of the peasant subject, who uses nature for his well being and is participant in a nature built among all and for all.