VALUING PREFERENCES FOR FRESHWATER INFLOWS

Estuaries are one of the most significant features of the South African coastline. In recent years, South Africa has witnessed an increase in the demand for freshwater for both industrial and domestic purposes. At the same time, there has been a gradual deterioration of river systems and their catchments and a reduction in the amount of recorded rainfall. This has resulted in decreased freshwater inflow into estuaries, a situation which poses a serious threat to the biological functioning of these estuaries and the services rendered to its recreational users. This study uses the Contingent Valuation Method as its primary methodology to elicit users' willingness-to-pay to reduce the negative impacts of reduced freshwater inflow into selected estuaries in South Africa's Western and Southern Cape regions. This study helps shed some light on the issues involved in the valuation of environmental resources as well as ways to ensure their sustainable use and management. As such, environmental economists, environmental policy makers and resource managers will find this book particularly helpful.