Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions

Different methods, different values: How the choice of ecosystem service valuation methods can affect cost-benefit analysis and prioritization decisions

Date and Time
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location
Webinar

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In this National Ecosystem Services Partnership (NESP) webinar, hear from Bonnie Keeler (University of Minnesota) for a presentation that will synthesize the results of over a decade of ecosystem services valuation work in the U.S. state of Minnesota. She will compare and contrast results from "traditional" non-market approaches (stated preference surveys, hedonic analyses, avoided cost approaches, and travel cost models) with “alternative” valuation methods based on ecosystem service metrics, surveys, semi-structured interviews, and Q sort assessments. She will discuss how “alternative” valuation methodologies tend to prioritize different values and interests of different target populations, as compared to “traditional” econometric approaches. The talk will raise questions about embedded assumptions in valuation methodologies, the appropriate application and interpretation of valuation studies, and include ideas for how to integrate a diversity of social science approaches in the evaluation of policies designed to protect or restore ecosystem services.