2019 Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 44-58
This study investigates the value of forest ecosystem services (biodiversity preservation, disaster risk reduction, and water retention) in three prefectures in the Kinki region of Japan (Shiga, Kyoto, and Osaka). Under the commonly used subjective valuation method, values might be overestimated due to social desirability bias. To avoid this problem, we employ the inferred valuation method to estimate the value of three services that forests provide (biodiversity preservation, disaster risk reduction, and water retention). We then compare those values with the values produced by the subjective valuation method. Our results show a significant discrepancy between the values calculated under the subjective and inferred valuation methods. Most values estimated using inferred valuation are almost half as low as those under subjective valuation, or even lower. Our results also show that respondents outside Shiga Prefecture put much less value on local biodiversity in Shiga Prefecture—they put no or little value on local biodiversity in the prefecture.
