Okavango Delta Management Plan - Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

2.7.2 INDIRECT USE VALUES
In this study, the indirect use values are based on the regeneration function (breeding and
biodiversity), absorption function (water purification, waste assimilation and CO2
sequestration) and information function (ecosystem as an indicator of environmental
change as well as role for scientific research and education) (ODMP – Economic Valuation
Report, 2006).
The most important indirect use values in the <strong>Okavango</strong> <strong>Delta</strong> are groundwater recharge,
wildlife nursery/breeding, carbon sequestration, water purification and research and
education.
The results of the estimated indirect use values are given in Table 2-20. Given the large
number of assumptions that had to be made, the estimated figures are indicative. The
indirect use value of the wetland is estimated to be P199 million, compared to P230 million
for the entire <strong>Ramsar</strong> site. Carbon sequestration accounts for the largest component of the
indirect use value followed by wildlife refuge, scientific and educational value, groundwater
recharge and water purification. The wetland is critical to the indirect use value, as can be
seen from the much higher indirect use value: the average IUV per ha is about P69 for the
wetland and P41 for the <strong>Ramsar</strong> site as a whole.
Table 2-20: Summary of estimated indirect use values for the <strong>Ramsar</strong> site and the wetland (in
Pula, 2005)
Service Wetland
68
Rest of <strong>Ramsar</strong> site Whole <strong>Ramsar</strong> site
Groundwater recharge 16 million 0 16 million
Carbon sequestration 86 million 72 million 158 million
Wildlife refuge 77 million 0 77 million
Water purification 2.2 million 0 2.2 million
Scientific and educational value 18 million 6 million 24 million
Total 199.2 million 78 million 230.2 million
Area 28 782 km2 26 765 km2 55 547 km2
Average per ha /year 69 29 41
Source: ODMP – Economic Valuation Report (2006)
The results show that carbon sequestration and wildlife refuge are the most valuable
indirect uses accounting together for over eighty percent of the indirect use value of the
wetland and <strong>Ramsar</strong> site. The scientific and educational value is significant, and exceeds
that of groundwater recharge and water purification. The wetland and <strong>Ramsar</strong> site is a
major focal point for research, documentaries and education.
2.7.3 NON USE VALUES
Non-use values can be separated into option value, bequest value and existence value.
Option value is the ‘future use value” that could be derived from the area, but which as yet
has to be realised. Maintaining biodiversity is believed to retain the option to generate yet
unknown values in future. These values could be, for example, from the exploitation of
hitherto unexploited species, the discovery of important genetic material of use in the
pharmaceutical industry, or the future tourism or development potential of the area. It is
not possible to measure option value, since no-one can predict the future, but it is
important to bear this in mind as a potential opportunity cost of degradation.