Wetlands are an invaluable natural resource to ecosystems and hold religious significance to many tribal nations. However, increases in anthropogenic practices have led to degradation, and lack of attention to many wetland ecosystems across the country. The economic value of environmental assets has become a barrier in protecting ecosystems, specifically regarding laws that protect wetlands, along with the cultural and monetary values behind their preservation. Preserving, protecting, and restoring these resources may be obtainable by bridging the gap between what ecologists and economists deem valuable. A study was performed at the Jagadishpur Reservoir in Nepal, which researched the valuation of wetlands using the Total Economic Value (TEV). The Jagadishpur is a well-known reservoir, making up the one of the biggest man-made wetland, with a total of 118 hectares and capacity to hold 4.7 million cubic meters of water. This study aimed at putting the economic incentives of wetland preservation into perspective by focusing on the impact wetlands have on human welfare.
Results/Conclusions
Justifying the importance of wetlands to stakeholders is vital as the number of wetlands continue to diminish as a result of anthropogenic degradation. By focusing on humanitarian aspects coupled with the TEV framework, the common ground between the ecological and economic benefits in preserving wetlands can be found. The community in Nepal valued future use highest, showing the importance of conservation and restoration, which was reflected in the high TEV for nonuse. Great financial potential was also prioritized for wetland goods and biodiversity. Stakeholders should consider the economic value of wetlands, more specifically the financing of wetland restoration and conservation as they hold a significant ecological and economic value.