We all are dependent on the natural environment for our livelihood. But over utilisation of natural resources causes the destruction of biodiversity. Therefore, consumptive use value is the method to measure the worth of biodiversity by the local people or tribal groups. It is very difficult to measure consumptive use value as there are no market standards that prevail here. This article will help in understanding the minute details of consumptive use value.
Definition
Consumptive use value means the value of natural resources such as firewood, cow dung, etc., which are not part of the market system. People use these resources directly.
Biodiversity
The diversity of natural resources and living beings on the Earth is known as biodiversity. It supports the production of natural and human-made products.
Conservation of biodiversity is essential for sustainable growth. Overexploitation and increased demand for natural resources (land, water, wind and sunlight) cause biodiversity loss.
The worth of biodiversity can be measured in the form of value. The value of biodiversity is further divided into two main sections, one is anthropometric (intrinsic), and the other is ethical.
The anthropometric value consists of both direct and indirect benefits for human beings in terms of economy. On the other hand, ethical value depends on respect and honour for the living world and promotes the cultural worth of biodiversity.
We receive numerous goods and products from the natural environment, from medicinal plants and fibres. These items have direct value, and an exact cost can be allocated to each resource. The direct value of the natural resources in terms of economy is divided into two categories—consumption and production or consumptive use and productive use values.
Details of consumptive use value
The consumptive use value is estimated through people’s consumption of natural resources. These resources are not bought and sold. Consumptive use value does not contribute to the nation in terms of economics. In other words, these values can be estimated by the direct use of natural resources—medicine, fibre, fuel, etc.
We live on the land and are dependent on natural resources for survival. This reduces the quality of the ecosystem, which leads to the deterioration of biodiversity.
For example, consumptive use value can be identified from the use of fuelwood for heating and cooking. Around 2.4 billion people around the world are dependent on fuelwood and forms of biomass for heating and cooking. If they lose access to fuelwood, they would have to spend on alternative sources of energy or move to a place where fuelwood can be found. The costs associated with these alternatives indicate the consumptive use value of fuelwood.
Food
Globally, people are dependent on plant resources as a source of food. There are around 80,000 edible plants in the world.
Drugs and medicinal products
The majority of the population in the world depends on agricultural activities for medicines. One such example is penicillin, the first antibiotic extracted from the fungus known as penicillium. These medicines from the plants effectively work on the human body. Many medicines for treating cancer and other ailments are obtained from marine animals.
Fuel
For centuries, forests have been used as the main source of fuel. People consume firewood and many other biofuels directly, and there is no mediator as the marketer. Therefore, it comes under the consumptive value category.
Conclusion
Consumptive use value is the method to estimate the utilisation of natural resources of a region by the local population. It is difficult to measure as they are not marketed and sold. However, by observing the areas that are directly dependent on natural resources, it is possible to measure consumptive use value.