Intangible benefits of nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment

This dataset is part of a research project on the eco-cultural wastewater treatment technologies in New Zealand. The research hypothesis posits that eco-cultural wastewater treatment systems, which integrate environmental, social and cultural dimensions, provide significant intangible benefits that are often overlooked in traditional economic evaluations. This study aims to quantify these benefits within the framework of total economic valuation framework. Data were sourced from the Ecosystem Services Valuation Database (ESVD) and relevant literature on NBS for wastewater treatment. The database contains detailed information about various studies evaluating the intangible benefits of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for wastewater treatment. It includes data from the Ecosystem Services Valuation Database (ESVD) and other relevant studies, focusing on non-market valuation estimates. Key Columns in the Database: -Study ID: Unique identifier for each study. -OB: Additional identifier or grouping code. -ESVD2.0_Biome: Biome or ecosystem type (e.g., Coastal systems, Marine). -ES_Text: Ecosystem service described in text (e.g., water filtration). -ES: Ecosystem service category (e.g., Waste treatment). -Value Groups: Grouping of value types (e.g., Waste treatment and processing) based on the total economic valuation framework -Countries: Country where the study was conducted. -Site Area Unit: Unit of the site area (e.g., hectare). -Site Area: Size of the study area. -Valuation Methods: Methods used for valuation (e.g., Contingent Valuation (CE)). -Value Year: Year the value was estimated. -Original Value: Original estimated value. -NZD: Converted value in 2023 New Zealand Dollars (NZD). -Title: Title of the study. Key Findings: 1. Diversity of Ecosystem Services: The studies cover a wide range of ecosystem services, including water filtration, habitat for species, recreational opportunities, and storm protection. This demonstrates the multifaceted benefits of NBS beyond traditional wastewater treatment. 2. Valuation Methods: Common methods used include Contingent Valuation (CE) and other non-market valuation approaches. These methods help quantify benefits that are not typically traded in markets, such as cultural and recreational values. 3. Geographical Spread: The studies span various countries, indicating a global interest in NBS and their benefits. However, a significant portion of the data pertains to specific regions like Saint Martin, which may influence the generalizability of the findings. 4. Economic Valuation: The values of intangible benefits are converted to 2023 NZD for consistency. This allows for easier comparison across studies and helps in understanding the economic significance of these benefits in a current context.