Non-Market Valuation in South Asia

Mohammad Younus Bhatt holds a Ph.D. in Economics with specialisation in Environmental Valuation and Choice Modelling. The application of econometric valuation techniques to biodiversity loss (environmental assets) and conservation through the adoption of cutting-edge mitigation strategies to restore sustainable biodiversity of ecosystems are his main research interests, which are closely linked to the Himalayan region. He recently published a book outlining the relationship between energy vulnerability and biodiversity loss, as well as the challenges and opportunities in preserving environmental biodiversity, renewable energy efficiency, ecological chains, and human living standards. His current research project uses economic valuation methodologies to address the conservation of alpha, beta, and gamma natural biological Himalayan biodiversity. It is carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resource and Development and is financed by the IMPRESS initiative. Dr. Bhat had visiting positions at the Amity School of Biotechnology, Amity School of Food Technology, and Amity School of Economics before joining UPES. He was also affiliated with Jamia Millia Islamia. Dr. Bhat's research is painstakingly focused on measuring the spatial effects of climate change on the current levels of Himalayan biodiversity (with regard to National Parks and Wetlands), the relationship between energy and economic growth, and the adoption of electric vehicles in India. Furthermore, he is interested in studying the reciprocal relationships between “eco-tourism” in the Himalayan regions and the financial support provided by central institutions such as MHRD, ICSSR, and DST, as well as local power structures, in order to provide appropriate growth strategies and facilitate the transition of local Himalayan communities towards sustainable economic growth.

Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Background

1.2. Importance of non-market valuation

1.3. Structure of the Book

1.4. Contribution of the Book

2. Valuing wetland Ecosystem services in the context of south Asian countries: A systematic review

2.1. Introduction

2.2. Methodology

2.1.1. Conceptual framework-Meta Analysis

2.1.2. Data Collection and data structure

2.3. Inclusion and exclusion criteria

2.4. Results and Discussion

2.5. Conclusion

3. Economic Valuation of Environment: An Introduction to Valuation Methods

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Valuing Environment: A Review of Methods

3.2.1. Direct Market Valuation Methods

3.2.2. Revealed Preference Methods

3.2.3. Stated Preference Methods

3.2.4. Benefit Transfer/Value Transfer Approach

3.3. Conclusion

4. Using choice experiments to investigate the policy relevance of heterogeneity in Farmer agri-environmental contract preferences in Chittagong Hill Tracts

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Literature Review

4.2.1. Concept of JC

4.2.2. Comparative analysis of JC and CSA

4.2.3. Factor association in JC

4.2.4. Country experience and existing policy

4.3. Theoretical Motivation

4.4. Methodology and Research Plan

4.4.1. Study area

4.4.2. Key informant interview (KII)

4.4.3. Formal focus group discussion (FGD)

4.4.4. Sampling technique, questionnaire design and data collection (in-person survey) procedure

4.4.5. Model specification and estimation technique

4.5. Results and Discussion

4.5.1. Socioeconomic and demographic profile of the respondents

4.5.2. Econometric estimation

4.5.3. Estimation of MWTA

4.6. Conclusions

5. Willingness to pay for conservation of Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem in the context of climate change: Application of contingent valuation method

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Theoretical Motivation

5.2.1. Contingent valuation method (CVM)

5.2.2. Valuation question and payment vector

5.2.3. Model specification for estimating WTP

5.3. Materials and Methods

5.3.1. Study area

5.3.2. Sampling technique and sample size

5.3.3. Methods of data collection

5.3.4. Statistical analysis

5.4. Results

5.4.1. SED characteristics of the respondent

5.4.2. Ranking of perceived benefits

5.4.3. Stress on the current Sundarbans mangrove forest ecosystem

5.4.4. Payment responses

5.4.5. Determinants of the WTP for the Sundarbans mangrove forest conservation

5.4.6. Reasons for being WTP for/against mangrove restoration

5.5. Discussion

5.6. Conclusions and Recommendations

5.7. Limitations and future research

6. Tourist preferences for Biodiversity Conservation in Rajaji National Park: A choice experiment approach

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Review of literature

6.3. Study Area: The Rajaji National Park (RNP)

6.4. Methodology

6.5. Results

6.6. Discussion

6.7. Conclusions

6.8. Policy implications

7. Economic Valuation of Himalayan Biodiversity: Case of Selected National Parks and Wetlands

7.1. Introduction

7.1.1. Current Status of Himalayan Biodiversity: Outline of Challenges

7.1.2. Himalayan Biodiversity: Benefits and Costs of Ecosystem Services

7.1.3. Wetland Ecosystem Services and Benefits

7.1.4. Sustainable Forest Management in Himalayan Regions

7.2. Statement of the problem

7.3. Objectives of the study

7.4. Study Area

7.4.1. Dachigam National Park

7.4.2. The Great Himalayan National Park

7.4.3. Jim Corbett National Park

7.4.4. Dal Lake

7.4.5. Wular Lake

7.4.6. Pong Dam

7.5. Outline of Methodology

7.6. Empirical Estimations

7.7. Conclusion

Index