Multi-Criteria Decision Modeling for Environmental Assessment. An Estimation of Total Economic Value in Protected Natural Areas

Abstract

The conceptualization of Total Economic Value (TEV) associated with protected natural areas<br />necessarily requires an analytical reordering that ensures a simultaneous incorporation of natural, social and<br />economic components. Based on this purpose, the present paper uses a multi-criteria decision modeling for<br />the economic valuation of environmental goods and services (EGS) in the Viñales National Park (PNV) based<br />on a combination of methods such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Goal Programming (GP)<br />with other traditional such as the income updating method. The proposed procedure allowed estimate an<br />indicator of Total Economic Value (TEV) and its different components: Direct Use Value (DUV), Indirect Use<br />Value (IUV), Option Value (OV), Existence Value (EV) and Bequest Value (BV). The obtained results represent a contribution from economic science to the definition of environmental policies, allocation and distribution of financial resources, as well as the design and implementation of management plans or other strategic projections.