Total monetary value of wetland loss in Soroti town.

Abstract

Wetlands are important ecosystems globally. However, due to the rapid increase in the world's population, their ecosystem services are being lost due to conversion to other uses. This study aimed at determining the economic value of wetlands loss in Soroti Town. The objectives of the study were to; determine the lost wetlands benefits due to conversion quantify the lost wetland benefits and determine the economic value of wetlands loss due to conversion. The study adopted a survey design, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study was conducted using questionnaires; direct Observations and interviews. Simple random sampling and systematic sampling techniques applied. The valuation techniques used was market pricing. The data was entered and managed using SPSS. and Excel, and analysed using. descriptive statistics. The study findings reveal that benefits worth 8,356,738,385 Shillings which is 2,461,484 USD have been lost due to conversion to other uses. From the research findings, it is mostly the human activities that have caused a significant loss of wetlands around Soroti town and they include fresh water, foods such as fish, herbs, poles, sand, and firewood, wild fruits flood control and local climate regulation with the major benefits lost being fresh water implying water shortage in the area. in the nearby future. Finally, there is need to create awareness to the communities adjacent to wetlands, setting up clear and strong laws governing use of wetlands, ensuring community compliance to set laws, implementation and monitoring of wetlands by NEMA. Key words: Ecosystem, Ecosystem services, Economic value, Wetland, Wetland conversion