Valoración ambiental del recurso hídrico de la parroquía de Cubijíes, cantón Riobamba, provincia de Chimborazo.

Abstract

The environmental economic value of water resources was determined in Cubijies parish since the basic line preparation from which information was obtained from water sources and the main water systems. The water services were identified from the consultation of social actors to subsequently evaluate the potential of aquatic ecosystems and vegetation coverage in the provision of water services. In addition by using non-parametric tests, the existence of factors that modify perception around the capacity of ecosystems studied were determined. Finally, the water resource was evaluated by using recognized methods, such as: residual and contingent valuation. As a result, the interaction between ecosystems proposed in the provision of water services was recognized, these are the factors which changed the perception of the capacity of ecosystems: level of education, gender and community, at the same time, the environmental economic value of water resources in the area of study was estimated in: $565 500.51, according to the value of agricultural and domestic use. It is concluded that the water resource has a notorious incidence within the local economy and welfare, as a result, actions to their conservation and protection should be taken.