Assessing the inter-linkage between ecosystem services and livelihood assets: case study of Deepor Beel Ramsar site in Assam, India
Assessing the inter-linkage between ecosystem services and livelihood assets: case study of Deepor Beel Ramsar site in Assam, India

Summary/Abstract: The paper examines the significance of four essential ecosystem services—provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services—in contributing to and en-hancing livelihood assets, including physical, financial, natural, human, and social cap-ital. Recognizing the intricate relation between wetland services and livelihoods is vitalfor improving resilience, sustainable development, and overall well-being. Deepor Beel,the lone Ramsar site in Assam, which supports livelihoods in nearby villages, has beenconsidered a case study. The study explores the ecosystem services that the Deepor Beelprovides and analyses how these could enhance livelihood assets. Using both qualitativeand quantitative methods, the study employs Focus Group Discussions, Key informantinterviews, and semi-structured questionnaires to interview 288 households. Results re-veal that a substantial portion of the population significantly depends on the wetland.Fishing is a key livelihood source alongside farming, livestock rearing, and gatheringresources like aquatic plants. The wetland serves as a crucial provider of varied servicesthat can significantly improve people’s livelihoods.

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