Wetland
benefits valuation – The case of the cyanide pollution of the River Tisza
Head of Department
Department of Environmental Economics and Technical Law
Budapest University of Technology and Economics
1111 Budapest, Stoczek u. 2.
At the end of January, 2000, dam of a reservoir broke through in Romania and the water heavily polluted by cyanide flowed into the River Tisza through the River Szamos. In the first days of February the cyanide pollution went along the Hungarian reach of the river causing enormous damage. The pollution caused serious damage in the wetlands of the river, as well, where the biodiversity was especially rich. In my presentation I’d like to review the loss of value caused by the pollution on the basis of the valuation method of the “total economic value” accepted in the international specialized literature and in the environmental evaluation practice, as well.
First, I’ll refer to the loss of value in the “direct use values”. The most spectacular fish destruction belongs to this subject. It is not accidental that the media dealt with this first of all during those critical days. However we have to take into consideration here the loss of value in the recreation capital of the River Tisza.
The second valuation circle is the taking into consideration of the “indirect use values”. Here I’d like to refer to the less visible but determinative part of the living world of the river on which the whole system as a ecological pyramid is built.
The “option values” are important components of the “total economic values”. This part of the values extended the involvement over the inhabitants of the liver basin to the inhabitants of the whole country. In the destruction of the River Tisza people saw partly the loss of their future dreams.
The next component the “existence values” makes the existence or not existence of the living river important for those, too, who never enjoy its “services”.
Determination of the “bequest values” is a particular aspect of the valuation process. In this case it is very important for the Hungarians because the River Tisza is the most national river. A lot of century-old traditions are attached to it (such as traditional fishing) which are in danger now century.
Lastly I’d like to mention the main valuation methods which can be used in this case: market analysis, travel cost method and contingent valuation method.