THE USE AND EVALUATION OF RIPARIAN FOREST ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN LATVIA

The use and evaluation of riparian forest ecosystem services is a topical issue in Latvia involving interests of different target groups. Research work on proper management methods, their impact on biological values and production function has been started in 2014, while information on social values was missing. Particular methodology was designed and three different approaches of opinion polls were used to obtain information on use of riparian forest services and their evaluation by public in spring, 2015. In total there were 1024 questionnaires distributed out of which 418 were analysed for the research purposes along with 224 filled on the Internet. Different services of riparian forest ecosystems were used by 88 % of respondents, mostly walking along rivers and swimming were mentioned. Respondents evaluated three different scenarios of forest management and 96% of them gave preference to the scenario which required implementation of sustainability criteria resulted in high diversity of species and an increase of esthetical values. Large part (61 %) of respondents accepted the idea of voluntary work to improve the condition of rivers and riparian forests and in average there were ready to work 3.8 days per year. Willingness to pay (WTP) to improve the situation of riparian forests and rivers close to a residence place of a respondents was expressed by 62 % of respondents, in the average 28.50 Euro per year was mentioned. The current research is a starting point for evaluation of riparian forest ecosystems and provides valuable information for further analyses. Research data are used to identify factors influencing the use and evaluation of different services provided by riparian forest ecosystem. Results will be used in decision making processes related to legislation and management changes, as well as in valuation of ecosystem services and planning of public use of riparian forests.