Methods and reference values for valuation of services provided by wetlands

In order to carry out economic analyses on Wetlands (cost-benefit analysis), CGDD (General Commission for Sustainable Development) made a methodological study to evaluate the services provided by wetlands in the Regional Natural Park of Cotentin and Bessin (Normandy). It was thus able to establish reference values based on a solid methodology. The value of all the services was established in a range of 2,400-4,400 Euros per hectare. The study adopted a new approach combining different monetary valuation methods, including enquiries involving the population, to obtain values as comprehensive as possible. It demonstrates the relevance of using the willingness-to-pay method, particularly to value biodiversity, and of its omplementarity with other methods.