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Subject: Agricultural Economics × Author: Arshdeep Kaur × End date: 2023 × Start date: 2020 ×
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    Valuation of Wetland Ecosystem: A Case Study of Harike Wetland, Punjab
    (Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Arshdeep Kaur; Guleria, Amit
    The present study entitled “Valuation of Wetland Ecosystem: A Case Study of Harike Wetland, Punjab” was conducted to examine the status of wetlands in Punjab vis-à-vis India, identification and valuation of various use and non-use values of ecosystem services of Harike Wetland and to identify the causes of wetland degradation and suggests policy measures during the year 2022-23. A sample of 400 respondents, including local households (100), tourists (100), and non-users (200), was randomly chosen. To estimate the use value of the wetland for local households Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Tobit regression model was employed revealing that family expenditure, education, and gender significantly influenced the willingness to pay for wetland conservation. The study also estimated the existence value of the wetland using CVM and Tobit regression analysis of non-users' responses. The results showed that family income, education, age, religion, and caste were significant factors affecting the willingness to pay for the wetland's existence value. The recreational value of the wetland for tourists was captured using the Travel Cost Method (TCM) and a Poisson regression model. The findings indicated that as travel costs increased, the visitation rate decreased. Factors such as family income, education, marital status, religion, gender, caste, and family expenditure per month significantly influenced the recreational value. The estimated annual economic value of the wetland, including use (Rs. 26.78 crore), existence (Rs. 29.08 crore), and recreational (Rs. 10.04 crore) values, was calculated to be Rs. 65.90 crore. Furthermore, the study emphasized the need to address the degradation of the wetland caused by excessive weed growth and industrial effluents. Integrated weed control practices and the prohibition of human activities near the wetland are recommended. Employment opportunities and awareness programs are also suggested to promote wildlife preservation and maintain the ecosystem's balance, biodiversity, and protection of endangered species.