Testing the embedding effect in the valuation of lagoon recovery

Abstract

G. Donoso H., J. Cancino, and S. Villar. 2010. Testing embedding the effect in the valuation of lagoon recovery. Cien. Inv. Agr. 37(1): 103-111. The contingent valuation method was employed to assess the benefits of recovering the Laguna Grande de San Pedro de La Paz in Chile's Bío-Bío region and to analyze the possible existence of an embedding effect. Our results indicate that there is not a perfect part-whole valuation effect and that there is an imperfect substitution relationship between the two analyzed projects. In addition, when assessing the joint construction project of a main sewer and a recreation park on the north hillside of the lagoon, we determined that households were willing to pay an average monthly amount of $6,114 for the associated benefit of the environmental improvement. This amount would contribute $ 358,977,396 per month to the project and a total value of $4,307,728,752. Additionally, the separate valuation of the two projects resulted in an amount of $ 3,290,635,524 for the main sewer and $ 2,484,518,138 for the recreation park. The absence of part-whole valuation effect may be explained by the precautions adopted in the survey's design and application, based on the review and analysis of prior studies.