Citizen Advisory Committees in the Contingent Valuation Method Process

Abstract

The contingent valuation method (CVM) is a tool of economic analysis the purpose of which is to measure, on the basis of individuals' stated preferences, the utility they attach to the production of public goods—thereby enabling a public decision maker to arbitrate between different items of expenditure. The approach has been deployed as part of a centralist conceptual scheme that leaves little room for citizens in the process and is now being challenged by the increasing prominence of multilevel governance, particularly in Europe. The objective of this article was to propose and discuss the use in this context of citizen advisory committees (CACs) rather than the other participatory tools sometimes recommended in contingent valuation studies, such as citizen juries and the scenario workshop. It also discusses certain limitations of the CAC/CVM combination to ensure that citizens' opinions could be better taken into account in the specification and implementation of public programs. Related Articles Adams, Brian E. 2016. “Assessing the Merits of Decentralization: A Framework for Identifying the Causal Mechanisms Influencing Policy Outcomes.” Politics & Policy 44 (5): 820‐849. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12172 Bance, Philippe, and Angelique Chassy. 2017. “The Rollout of the Multilevel Governance System: A Source of Reworking the Contingent Valuation Method?” Politics & Policy 45 (6): 1080‐1107. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12236 Kim, Myunghee. 2007. “Citizens' Confidence in Government, Parliament and Political Parties.” Politics & Policy 35 (3): 496‐521. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2007.00070.x

Assessment of Recreational Value in a Protected Forest Area Considering the New Environmental Paradigm (Case Study: Helen Forest, Southwestern Iran)

“…The CVM is firmly rooted in welfare economics, aligning with neoclassical economic value principles and the pursuit of maximizing individual utility. Economists, researchers, and policymakers favor this survey technique due to its comprehensive and adaptable methodology, offering a robust foundation for estimating benefits in environmental enhancements and other public goods, thus aiding in the design of effective and credible policies [58]. As previously outlined, the CVM relies on direct inquiries to individuals regarding their WTP for a specific commodity.…”

Assessment of Recreational Value in a Protected Forest Area considering the New Environmental Paradigm (Case Study: Helen Forest, Southwestern Iran)

“…The CVM is firmly rooted in welfare economics, aligning with neoclassical economic value principles and the pursuit of maximizing individual utility. Economists, researchers, and policymakers favor this survey technique due to its comprehensive and adaptable methodology, offering a robust foundation for estimating benefits in environmental enhancements and other public goods, thus aiding in the design of effective and credible policies [55]. As previously outlined, the CVM relies on direct inquiries to individuals regarding their WTP for a specific commodity.…”