Estimating eco-compensation requirements for forest ecosystem conservation A case study in Hainan province, southern China

National Basic Research Program of China 2009CB421106;MOST Special Funds for Sino-EU Cooperation 0813;National Key Project of Science and Technical Supporting Programs of China 2006BAC08B06 2008BAK50B05 2006BAC18B01This study provides an estimation of the eco-compensation requirements for forest ecosystem conservation in Hainan province of China using the ecological location quotient (ELQ). It determines that the ecosystem services provided by the forest ecosystem need to be classified into predominant, secondary and potential types. Consequently, the appropriate levels of payment are calculated using the ecological valuation coefficient (EVC) method. The mechanisms and standards of payment are then determined for the corresponding stages in the context of the eco-compensation concept. In this way, guidelines are provided for practising eco-compensation, not only in Hainan province but also in the other parts of China