An Economic Valuation of Freshwater Ecosystem Services in Lawis River Spring, Buruun Iligan City

Abstract

Balancing the allocation of freshwater ecosystem services to different users is one of the challenges of sustainable water resource management. By valuing resources and ecosystem services economically, it can provide useful support for water conservation policies by quantifying the economic value associated with the natural resource. Thus, economic valuation is an important tool for decision making on sustainability of ecosystem services. One of the techniques in determining the economic value is the willingness to pay (WTP) method. This refers to the price that an individual is willing to pay for the consumption and/or conservation of the ecosystem services. This study aims to determine the economic valuation of Lawis River Spring located in Buruun, Iligan City Lanao del Norte through the use of the WTP method. In gathering this data, convenience sampling was done and accompanied by a modified survey questionnaire. Also, the researcher obtained physico parameters and conducted four day solid waste characterization (Friday to Monday) in the research locale. Results revealed that an individual is willing to pay a total of PHP 42.20 for the freshwater ecosystem services, infrastructural development and maintenance of the spring. The physico parameter results also revealed that the water is safe for humans, aquatic life and other living organisms. It also indicates an acceptable remark for domestic and agricultural use for households situated nearby the area and for recreational activities of potential tourists and/or visitors. The result of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and salinity may indicate the presence of solid contaminants and wastes in the water resource. The study concluded that the Lawis River Spring is still in a good condition and has potential for community based tourism in Iligan City. However, due to the presence of water insoluble materials and wastes in the area, there is a need for appropriate conservation and water management strategies. The economic valuation undertaken here can be basis for sustainable water conservation policy making.