Multiattribute elicitation of wilderness preservation benefits: a constructive approach

Abstract

This paper contributes to the development of a constructive approach to evaluating environmental resources, using a version of multiattribute value elicitation in a group setting. Section 1discusses the assumptions and practices of group multiattribute elicitation for public policy decisions. The good of interest is a potential doubling of designated wilderness areas in British Columbia. Two groups, totalling 28 subjects, participated in intensive half-day workshops in which they provided judgments regarding the amounts of tax revenues from forest industry activities each thought provincial residents should forego to achieve specified increases in wilderness preservation. Subjects were asked to consider direct and passive use values, spiritual values, and ecological service values. Subjects were also asked to consider separately the interests of the current generation and future generations of residents and to provide judgments regarding the marginal benefits of increasing preservation. An initial aggregated valuation question was followed by five more disaggregated questions. Subjects then compared and reconciled their value judgments for the aggregated and disaggregated questions. The results are generally comparable to those of a contingent valuation referendum-based survey for the same valuation issues.