Concept of the integrative aspects of the forest ecosystem services with case study on recreation services assessment in Slovakia

Introduction:This paper presents basic information on the research,classification,and application of the functions of tree species and their communities(mainly forest)in Slovakia.The main aim is a scientific assessment of acquired knowledge regarding the functional effects of forests under real ecological,forest management and socio-economic conditions from various regions in Slovakia;the most up-to-date findings concerning the ecology and economics of natural resources will be applied here.The second part of the paper presents methodological possibilities for valuation of outdoor recreation in forests.Different methods and methodological approaches suitable to a valuation of recreation based on various principles and criteria(preference and non-preference methods,cost-based methods,revenue-based methods,and direct and indirect methods)are analyzed.A practical application of one indirect preference method(travel cost method)is made to evaluate outdoor recreation in forests in Slovakia.Results and conclusions:A new classification system and a methodology of integrative utilization of forest functions for the forest ecosystem services are constructed.Outdoor recreation in forests,besides recreational forests and areas,assumes the character of a public good:its use by individuals has some influence on utilization by other individuals,and single users cannot be excluded from its utilization.Therefore,some stimulation for its production is missing.In principle,there are no markets for these kinds of public goods and services.The total value of outdoor recreation in forests in Slovakia amounted to€163.4 million;if opportunity time costs were included,this amounted to as much as€825.7 million.