The valuation of wetlands: Primary versus meta-analysis based value transfer

The wetland valuation literature is extremely rich in the sense that there exists an avalanche of studies in which attempts are being made to determine use and nonuse values of wetlands. Non-use values of wetlands are unrelated to any direct, indirect, or future use, but rather reflect the economic value that can be attached to the mere existence of a wetland. The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads in the East of England is Britain’s largest nationally protected wetland, covering an area of 30,300 hectares. Direct use values are derived from the uses made of a wetland’s resources and services for example, wood for energy or building, water for irrigation and the natural environment for recreation. A source of error that is specific to meta-analysis based value transfer results from the common limitation of valuation meta-analyses to capture differences in the quality and quantity of the services under consideration.