Investment in the aquatic environment II: comparison of two techniques for evaluating environmental benefits

Two methodologies for evaluating environmental benefits arising from investment in the aquatic environment have been applied to a series of nine case studies. One methodology was developed by the Foundation for Water Research (FWR), the other is based on a marketing approach translated to the aquatic environment. Results suggest broader consideration of demand and supply-side factors, offered by the marketing-based approach, enables a clearer understanding of anthropogenic use of aquatic resources to be developed. Consequently, estimated environmental benefits are more likely to reflect actual levels of resource use and the nature of a given site, and provide a strategic perspective on investment appraisal. In addition, a rapid assessment technique emerges which facilitates an efficient methodology focusing on essential assessment criteria.