Ecosystem service value of restored secondary forest in the Karstic-rocky hills —A case study of Nongla National Medicine Nature Reserve,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

An economic approach of ecological evaluation was used to assess the value of restored secondary forest in Nongla National Medicine Nature Reserve of Mashan County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Results show a high ecological value (on economical scale) of restored secondary forests in Nongla. Over the period of 25 years (1981～2006) accumulated total ecosystem service value of Nongla restored secondary forest is estimated at RMB 0.882 billion and above. Direct use of lumber, herb and fruit is valued at RMB 0.049 billion, 5.57% of the total forest value. Indirect use of the restored secondary forest is RMB 0.833 billion, far exceeding the direct use value and accounting for 94.44% of the total value. Service values for soil erosion, biodiversity, research and culture are RMB 0.313 billion, RMB 0.174 billion and RMB 0.052 billion respectively. Nongla restored secondary forest plays an important role in preventing water and soil erosion, sustaining soil fertility, developing biodiversity, and promoting research and education.