ABSTRAK.Ekosistem lahan gambut memiliki peran penting sebagai penyedia jasa lingkungan dan sumber penghidupan masyarakat, namun manfaatnya belum sepenuhnya dinilai secara ekonomi. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengestimasi nilai ekonomi langsung dan nilai keberadaan ekosistem lahan gambut di Desa Kayu Bawang, Kecamatan Gambut, Kabupaten Banjar. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada November 2025–Januari 2026 menggunakan metode purposive sampling dengan kriteria yaitu masyarakat yang memiliki keterlibatan langsung dalam pemanfaatan sumber daya yang terdapat di lahan gambut dengan total 81 responden. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara dan kuesioner, kemudian dianalisis dengan pendekatan harga pasar dan Willingness to Pay (WTP). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai ekonomi Hasil Hutan Kayu (HHK) sebesar Rp15.418.575,00 per tahun, Hasil Hutan Bukan Kayu (HHBK) Rp855.069.508,00 per tahun, dan pertanian untuk kegiatan persawahan sebesar Rp1.345.696.560,00 per tahun, sehingga total nilai ekonomi langsung mencapai Rp2.216.184.643,00 per tahun. Nilai keberadaan ekosistem lahan gambut sebesar Rp33.209.521,00 per tahun. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa sektor pertanian memberikan kontribusi ekonomi terbesar bagi masyarakat. Selain bernilai ekonomi, ekosistem lahan gambut juga berperan penting dalam menjaga fungsi ekologis dan keberlanjutan penghidupan masyarakat. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan pengelolaan lahan gambut yang berkelanjutan melalui peningkatan kesadaran masyarakat dan pengelolaan tata air yang baik.

ABSTRACK.Peatland ecosystems played a vital role as providers of environmental services and sources of livelihood for local communities; however, their benefits had not been fully assessed in economic terms. This study aimed to estimate the direct economic value and the existence value of the peatland ecosystem in Kayu Bawang Village, Gambut Subdistrict, Banjar Regency. The research was conducted from November 2025 to January 2026 using a purposive sampling method, with the criterion of community members who were directly involved in the utilization of resources found in peatlands, resulting in a total of 81 respondents. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires and were analyzed using a market price approach and Willingness to Pay (WTP). The results of the study indicated an economic value of Timber Forest Products (TFP) of Rp15,418,575.00 per year, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) of Rp855,069,508.00 per year, and agriculture from rice farming activities of Rp1,345,696,560.00 per year, bringing the total direct economic value to Rp2,216,184,643.00 per year. The existence value of the peatland ecosystem was estimated at Rp33,209,521.00 per year. These results indicated that the agricultural sector provided the largest economic contribution to the community. In addition to its economic value, the peatland ecosystem played a crucial role in maintaining ecological functions and supporting the sustainability of community livelihoods. Therefore, sustainable peatland management was considered necessary through increased community awareness and proper water management..