India's Untapped Treasure: Valuing Nature's Cultural Riches for Sustainable Development
The economic value of cultural ecosystem services in India was studied to understand the benefits like good health that natural areas like forests and wetlands provide to people. These services are essential for human well-being and play a vital role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The researchers emphasized the need to investigate the economic worth of these services at the local level in India. They suggest setting entry fees for protected areas like wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to support sustainable ecosystem management for present and future generations. The study supports the idea that we should value and protect nature not just for its beauty but for the tangible benefits it provides to people's health and well-being.