Valoração dos serviços ecossistêmicos do Parque Estadual do Sumidouro: mensuração contingente dos turistas e da comunidade local

The valuation is a fundamental tool for supporting the formulation of environmental public policies and guiding the sustainable management of natural resources. This study aimed to estimate the value of the ecosystem services provided by the Sumidouro State Park (PESU), a fully protected conservation unit located within the Carste Lagoa Santa Environmental Protection Area (APA), in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. To achieve this objective, the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was employed, based on the analysis of the Willingness to Pay (WTP) of two social groups: tourists and local residents. Results showed that 62% of local residents expressed no willingness to financially contribute to the park's conservation. Among those with a positive WTP, the average was R$ 22,09, resulting in an estimated environmental value of R$ 1,830.052,80 per year. In contrast, the average WTP among tourists was R$ 33,56, generating an estimated annual environmental value of R$ 17,399.299,00. The divergence between the values assigned by the two groups largely reflects the historical conflicts associated with the park's establishment, which continue to resonate among the surrounding communities. These findings highlight the environmental and social significance of PESU, providing technical evidence to support public policy initiatives aimed at mitigating socio-environmental conflicts and strengthening the relationship between the conservation unit and the local population. Moreover, the results underscore the park’s potential for the development of sustainable tourism, contributing to the appreciation and preservation of this important natural heritage.