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The remnant natural capital of the Magdalena-Cauca basin: immense losses for the 80% of Colombian inhabitants

Author

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  • César Augusto Ruiz-Agudelo

    (Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano)

  • Francisco Paula Gutiérrez-Bonilla

    (Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano)

Abstract

The Magdalena-Cauca basin, which covers 24% of the Colombian continental territory and is inhabited by about 80% of the Colombian population, expresses the greatest ecosystem loss and serious socio-environmental problems. This basin occupies an area of approx. 27 million hectares. The literature about the economic valuation of ecosystem services (ES) and the spatial information on natural resources in the Magdalena-Cauca basin was revised through several information sources to document the earliest approximation to the state, spatial distribution, and economic value of the remnant natural capital at the scale of biomes, specific ecosystems, and political-administrative units, through the application of the benefit transfer method for 2020. Our assessment estimated a natural capital loss of 1.5 trillion Int.$2020/year (more than 100% of Colombian GDP in 2020) and a remnant natural capital worth 469 billion Int.$2020/year (more than 100% of Colombia’s GDP in 2020) for 15 ecosystem services. This research establishes that a potential expansion in livestock production systems will generate an additional loss of natural capital between 175 and 450 billion Int.$2020/year. Lastly, the policy and management challenges concerning this remnant natural capital in the Magdalena-Cauca basin are pointed out.

Suggested Citation

  • César Augusto Ruiz-Agudelo & Francisco Paula Gutiérrez-Bonilla, 2024. "The remnant natural capital of the Magdalena-Cauca basin: immense losses for the 80% of Colombian inhabitants," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 14(1), pages 135-153, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:14:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s13412-023-00873-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-023-00873-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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