Amenity and recreational benefits provided by waterways and bays Description of externality benefits relevant to IWCM Webster dictionary defines amenity as that makes life easier or more pleasant”. Amenity “something therefore includes both use values such as recreation, as well as non-use values such as aspects of environmental health (including the waterway and bay values discussed in Section 3). For the purposes of this literature review, the non-use aspects of waterway amenity are discussed in the ecological health values section (Section 3), while the use aspects will be discussed in this section. It is well recognised that outdoor recreational activities are an important component of personal and social wellbeing. Waterways and bays are used recreationally for swimming, fishing, sailing, recreational hunting, and boating. Waterside recreational opportunities include camping, running, cycling, and walking. IWCM provides the opportunity for improved recreational opportunities through enhanced waterway environments and the provision of assets that can be used recreationally, such as wetlands and other water bodies. Literature review findings Key qualitative findings The key qualitative findings of the literature review for the recreational value of rivers and streams, wetlands, and the bays that are relevant to IWCM are presented below. is evidence supporting the recreational and amenity value of waterways, and clear linkages to improved waterway health enhancing these values in many cases Recreational values for waterways tend to be lower where accessible substitutes exist Key economic data
Amenity and recreational benefits provided by waterways and bays Description of externality benefits relevant to IWCM Webster dictionary defines amenity as “something that makes life easier or more pleasant”. Amenity therefore includes both use values such as recreation, as well as non-use values such as aspects of environmental health (including the waterway and bay values discussed in Section 3). For the purposes of this literature review, the non-use aspects of waterway amenity are discussed in the ecological health values section (Section 3), while the use aspects will be discussed in this section. It is well recognised that outdoor recreational activities are an important component of personal and social wellbeing. Waterways and bays are used recreationally for swimming, fishing, sailing, recreational hunting, and boating. Waterside recreational opportunities include camping, running, cycling, and walking. IWCM provides the opportunity for improved recreational opportunities through enhanced waterway environments and the provision of assets that can be used recreationally, such as wetlands and other water bodies. Literature review findings Key qualitative findings The key qualitative findings of the literature review for the recreational value of rivers and streams, wetlands, and the bays that are relevant to IWCM are presented below. is evidence supporting the recreational and amenity value of waterways, and clear linkages to improved waterway health enhancing these values in many cases Recreational values for waterways tend to be lower where accessible substitutes exist Key economic data
18-01-12_Valuing-externalities_FINAL_updated-contact.docx