Abstract: Based on field investigations,evaluation of the ecological service function of the Hongze Lake Wetland Nature Reserve in Sihong,Jiangsu,was conducted,using a number of methods,such as market value method,shadow project method and travel cost method.Results show that the annual total value of the ecological service functions was estimated at 1 397 million yuan,accounting for 20.82% of Sihong′s Gross National Product in 2005.Among all the wetland ecosystem service functions of the reserve,provision of habitat for important wildlife species,regulation of water and regulation of air accounted for 27.49%,25.27% and 19.33%,respectively.So obviously they are the major service functions.The service function value per unit area of the Hongze Wetland is 28 299 yuan,about 4.09 times as high as that of the wetlands of the globe and 4.85 times as that of the wetlands in China.Therefore,in developing the local economy of Sihong,it is essential to scientifically and rationally protect and exploit the wetland resources by following the basic characteristics of the wetland ecosystem of the reserve.

Key words: wetland, Sihong Nature Reserve, service functions, valuation