Economic Benefits of Protecting Healthy Watersheds: A Literature Review

Description

Recognizing the economic value of protected healthy watersheds and their contribution to the sustainable provision of ecosystem services will allow society to make decisions that more adequately reflect the value of our natural support system and the costs associated with ecosystem degradation. Although difficult to quantify absolutely, the value of intact resources is significant, has the potential to appreciate rapidly and provides a myriad of benefits to society if managed appropriately. This paper explores the various methods that have been used to quantify the value of ecosystem services. Specifically, it examines payment for ecosystem service schemes, willingness to pay studies and cost avoidance scenarios.