Identifying cultural service values of a small river in the agricultural landscape of Canterbury, New Zealand, using combined methods

Abstract

Intensification of agricultural production involving groundwater irrigation is increasingly significant in many countries but can have negative impacts upon the ecosystem cultural services of rural streams and rivers. These are difficult to value, particularly in contested situations. Using a case study in Canterbury, New Zealand, a combination of Q method and a choice experiment is presented as a robust and transparent way to identify important cultural services of streams and rivers, and to assess their relative values. Empirical insights are offered, methodological issues discussed, and management implications identified.