Non-market valuation of environmental goods in Portugal

Abstract

This paper reviews the empirical research of the non-market environmental valuation methodologies in Portugal and identifies opportunities for linking results to policy. Four research questions are addressed: what has been done; what common features can be observed; what do we know about the validity of the values; and which trends have been found in the recent research. We conclude that environmental valuation in Portugal has a noticeable regional application, e.g., natural parks and traditional landscapes. Contingent valuation is the leading method. Price, income and the use of the resource for recreational purposes are among the most important explanatory variables. The results confirm the theoretical validity of the methods and their potential for local/regional policy purposes.