A Framework for Evaluating Trade-Offs between Agricultural Drainage and Wetland Conservation

Jorjani, H. & Duinker, P. (1989). A Framework for Evaluating Trade-Offs between Agricultural Drainage and Wetland Conservation. IIASA Working Paper. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: WP-89-025

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Abstract

Wetlands in Canada and Europe have in recent decades been subject to extensive drainage and reclamation programs, particularly for agricultural purposes. As a result, a host of important wetland habitats have been lost, along with the various benefits that individuals and society at large gain from the existence of wetlands, e.g., wild life, and recreation. To prevent further, usually regrettable losses of wetlands to agricultural drainage, we believe that a more systematic evaluation system is required for comprehensive weighing of benefits of drainage versus benefits of wetlands. In this paper we develop a set of system indicators as part of a comprehensive framework for evaluating the expected performance of agricultural drainage programs. First, we examine both drainage and wetland conservation, in turn, from farmers' and societal perspectives. Then we describe the structure of the framework, and present a set of indicators encompassing both agricultural and conservation point of view. In addition, we propose methods whereby the monetary equivalents of each indicator's performance might be estimated. Finally, we suggest case study applications in Canada and Europe. The framework should be easily modified for applications in other regions as well.

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