Economic and environmental value of ecosystem services in agroforestry systems with coffee in Latin America
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18779/cyt.v19i2.1272Keywords:
carbon sequestration, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, agricultural production, economic valuationAbstract
This research analyzes the economic valuation of ecosystem services generated by agroforestry systems with coffee in Latin America, recognizing their importance as a sustainable production alternative to intensive, which have led to biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and increased emissions. The study's general objective was to examine, based on scientific literature, the economic and environmental value of services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, pollination, water regulation, and soil conservation, and their contribution to sustainable rural development. The methodology consisted of a systematic literature review of scientific articles indexed in databases, prioritizing empirical studies from coffee-producing countries: Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. Agroforestry systems, compared to other types of production systems, increase carbon storage in biomass and soil, enhance soil organic carbon, and provide habitat for biodiversity without affecting crop productivity. The reviewed studies describe the economic benefits of pollination and payments for environmental services, reinforcing the financial sustainability of these systems. Agroforestry systems with coffee, in the vast majority of cases, represent an opportunity for production practices, nature conservation, and appreciation of the environmental services provided by ecosystems. This justifies their inclusion in public policy systems and sustainable rural development plans.
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