Uncovering the hidden values of wetlands to local communities

Abstract

The values of wetlands are generally classified into use values and non-use values. The use values are straightforward and measurable values but the non-use values are not so. Hence they are most often neglected and not incorporated in wetlands assessment and conversion to other uses by policy makers. Although the wetlands under review are obviously being used for farming and fishing, we attempted establishing from the local users if they have other forms of values for them. We therefore interviewed four hundred and ninety four (494) wetlands users in seventeen riparian local communities in Lokoja, Nigeria. The result of our findings shows that apart from the direct use of the wetlands, other form of uses, the non-use values exists. Bequest value was however dominant among the identified non-use values. Unfortunately this type of value is not usually considered in decision making patterning to wetlands in local communities. We recommend valuation of both the use and non-use values of wetlands in local communities that are being considered for conversion to other uses. This is suggested because the unseen hidden values of wetlands can be uncovered only in a study of this nature.