Abstract
A model employing latent class analysis and the latent segment logit theory was developed to evaluate how the monetary values of a riverfront are influenced by the functions of rivers and by residents' awareness of rivers. The data for analysis were collected using online questionnaires sent to residents in a suburban area of Tokyo. The valuation of the functions of rivers that residents usually use or view (neighborhood rivers) was found to be affected by the residents' awareness of rivers, which is strongly influenced by their experiences not only at neighborhood rivers but also at general waterfronts. People who consider waterfronts as a part of nature that should be protected appreciated nature preservation actions such as the improvement in the quality of water or the modification of the natural bank shape. People who mainly use waterfronts for refreshment highly valued improving the condition of the rivers in term of litter. People who have had traumatic experiences such as floods or heavy water pollution valued the flood control function. People with little concern for waterfronts admitted no monetary value of river functions. These results indicate that analyzing the relationships between awareness of rivers and the monetary value of rivers is essential in planning the measures for improving river functions.
