Non-market valuation of the coastal environment - Uniting political aims, ecological and economic knowledge

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the feasibility of using an approach for estimating Willingness-To-Pay for marine environmental improvements, based on a holistic, policy-determined scenario. Conducting valuation studies based on a policy-determined scenario is bene practical applicability but also for research in terms of e.g. data availability. Using a case study in two Swedish coastal areas, we examine whether respondents are able to understand and attach a monetary value to these types of scenarios. The tested scenarios are based on improving water quality according to the EUWater Framework Directive and reducing noise and littering according to standard-type measures in a Swedish archipelago setting. The results are promising, paving the ground for future valuation studies using this approach. However, there might be tradeoffs, since the use of scenarios like this require much preparation by researchers and much efforts by respondents. We recommend environmental managers to adopt this approach when possible, but to have these potential tradeoffs in mind. Mean monthlyWTP per household for the water quality improvement scenario is estimated to 71 and 102 SEKficial for decision-makers in terms of1 in the two study areas, respectively. The corresponding numbers for the less noise and littering scenario are 38 and 46 SEK. Valuation of noise and littering in archipelago areas has previously not been very common, making these estimates especially important for marine policy.

Published in

Journal of Environmental Management
2012, volume: 110, pages: 166-178

SLU Authors

• Östberg, Katarina

  • Department of Forest Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Global goals (SDG)

SDG14 Life below water

UKÄ Subject classification

Economics

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2012.06.012

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/40694