Alternative of non-market forest functions monetary valuation in the Czech Republic and its application in the case of Sumava National Park

The valuation of non-market forest functions (NMFF), i.e. of positive externalities of forests and forest management, is very complicated in theoretical and practical terms. Out of the three methods of NMFF valuation mentioned in the paper, so called expert comparing approach was used; it is in principle a part of the existing Czech legislation in form of a fee for the withdrawal of forest lands destined to fulfil forest functions. Even though the above method has many drawbacks, its advantage consists in its relative simplicity and in the fact that this method is the only available one at present. Application of this method indicated the average year value of NMFF in the CR 16,071 CZK.ha-1 of forest land in 1998 while this value in the Sumava National Park was 62,840 CZK.ha-1. The non-market forest value amounted to 0.8 mil. CZK.ha-1, but to 3.1 mil. CZK.ha-1 in the area of the Sumava National Park.