Research methodology

a- Method to be used

Here in our methodology we will use the method of Benefit Transfer because of its great use.

Benefit transfer process is used to evaluate the results function, model or data which are used

in one location in order to find the economic values of the ecosystem services in other

location. Benefit methods used that results or studies which are already been discussed.

These methods can be used to evaluate the ecosystem services. There are two main

approaches used for benefit transfer one is unit value transfer and other is function transfer.

b- Strength and weakness

Benefit transfer helps a lot at those places when there is an issue of funding limitation and

time constraint. It is best to examine all the factors that affect the willingness-to-pay. It can

be used as a screening technique in determining the more detailed original valuation methods

like travel cost, hedonic value and the contingent valuation.

In the process of value estimation this method is not able to produce reliable outcomes. By

using Benefit transfer method it is not easy to find the primary studies which are used for the

ecosystem services. Benefit transfer method can change the shape of error found in original

studies like uncertainties, mistakes and assumptions.

c- Applications of Benefit transfer method

The benefit transfer method is used to find the values for the economic values of the

ecosystem servicers. This can be done by transferring the available information from the
studies which are already completed in another location. The Wetland in Mexico is the

application of Benefit transfer Method.

d- Issues of Scale

The issue of scaling is an important parameter in analyzing the impact of climate change. For

example in evaluating the impact of climate change in most of the cases estimated value of

independent change in a service flow is not enough.

e- Spatial – Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island the level of nitrate lies in the range of 0.1 to 2 mg L-1 and it is

thought that it represents the levels for relatively un-impacted pristine watersheds. In this

region all the useable water comes from underground water resource. Most of the part is rural

in this region and they rely on the ground water. Prince Edward Island is situated on the

eastern coast of Canada and has approximately 5700 km2 of land area and 1600 km of coast

line.

f- Challenges

The challenges that we face in that by increasing the number of valuation studies outside the

Canada helps to reduce the uncertainty in value transfer for all the policy uses. There may be

the problem in defining the “affected population”. There may be a challenge in applying

environmental valuation techniques in order to value the health impact, cultural heritage and

the other public goods. There may be the challenge in the validity of non-use values.

There may be the challenge in reviewing the literature about the strength and weakness of the

benefit transfer method. Applications of ecosystem valuation are also challenging when
multiple benefit transfer are needed in order to support the decision making. This could be

done to maintain or enhance the ecosystem services.