3.6 Civic valuation

Civic valuation seeks to measure the values that people place on changes in ecosystems or ecosystem services when explicitly considering or acting in their role as citizens.

Referenda or initiatives can provide information about how members of the voting population value a particular governmental action involving the environment, given a particular means of financing the associated expenditure. Individuals may also consider what the community as a whole stands to gain or lose if the proposal is adopted.

Citizen valuation juries are given extensive information and, after a lengthy discussion, usually asked to agree on a common value or make a group decision. Citizen juries can develop a ranking of alternative options for achieving a given goal. Their estimates would reflect community-based values rather than economic values.