Inventory methods and data needs for economic valuation of medicinal plants : preliminary results from two case studies

Awang Noor A.G., . and Mohd. Shahwahid O., . and Mohd. Azmi M.I., . (2000) Inventory methods and data needs for economic valuation of medicinal plants : preliminary results from two case studies. [Proceedings Paper]

Forest are normally viewed as a source of timber and little attention is given to other non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants. Consequently the forest is usually valued based on the timber resource harvested. Economic valuation of medicinal plants is very important in providing information on their potential and realised benefits at the local national and international levels. However this has rarely been studied due to imperfect market structure. In addition the inventory method for assessing resource potential to suit the needs of economic valuation is not well establish. This paper describes an inventory method used to determine the distribution and abundance of medicinal plants in given area as a first step towards economic valuation. The method used was strip line systematic sampling with additional parameters included. The method comprised two plots measuring 200 x 200 m located in the lowland and at the top ridge. A baseline was laid out along the counter. From this baseline strip lines of 5 m width at right angles to the baseline were established. Starting from the first strip measurements of plants within a strip were made alternately. All medicinal plants within the selected strips were enumerated together with record of their species names diameters height crown diameters as well as weights and lengths of roots and leaves. The results of the inventory data were analysed and comparisons were made between the two forest reserves. The result suggested that the inventory method used in the study was useful in assisting the determination of economic values of medicinal plants in Malaysia. The paper also highlights further research on inventory methods of medicinal plants for the purpose of economic valuation.

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Abstract

Forest are normally viewed as a source of timber and little attention is given to other non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants. Consequently the forest is usually valued based on the timber resource harvested. Economic valuation of medicinal plants is very important in providing information on their potential and realised benefits at the local national and international levels. However this has rarely been studied due to imperfect market structure. In addition the inventory method for assessing resource potential to suit the needs of economic valuation is not well establish. This paper describes an inventory method used to determine the distribution and abundance of medicinal plants in given area as a first step towards economic valuation. The method used was strip line systematic sampling with additional parameters included. The method comprised two plots measuring 200 x 200 m located in the lowland and at the top ridge. A baseline was laid out along the counter. From this baseline strip lines of 5 m width at right angles to the baseline were established. Starting from the first strip measurements of plants within a strip were made alternately. All medicinal plants within the selected strips were enumerated together with record of their species names diameters height crown diameters as well as weights and lengths of roots and leaves. The results of the inventory data were analysed and comparisons were made between the two forest reserves. The result suggested that the inventory method used in the study was useful in assisting the determination of economic values of medicinal plants in Malaysia. The paper also highlights further research on inventory methods of medicinal plants for the purpose of economic valuation.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. RS164 S471 1999 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	DRUG PLANTS
AGROVOC Term:	SURVEYS
AGROVOC Term:	METHODS
AGROVOC Term:	ECONOMIC VALUE
AGROVOC Term:	MALAYSIA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15907

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