Existenzwerte
Existenzwerte, in environmental economics known as existence values, are the monetary values that individuals assign to the mere existence of a natural resource, species or environmental asset, independent of any direct use or future option. They are a form of non-use value, distinguishing them from use values such as recreation, timber, or other direct benefits.
Existenzwerte are typically estimated through stated preference methods, especially contingent valuation and, to a lesser extent,
Applications of existence values include informing cost-benefit analyses and policy decisions related to biodiversity conservation, protected
Limitations and debates surround existence values, including hypothetical bias, embedding effects, and scope sensitivity. Values can