Ickeanvändningsvärde

Ickeanvändningsvärde, a Swedish term, translates to "non-use value" in English. It refers to the value that individuals or society derive from the existence of an environmental asset, even if they do not directly use or consume it. This concept is a subset of non-market valuation, which attempts to assign economic value to goods and services that are not traded in typical markets.

Non-use value encompasses several components. Option value is the willingness to pay to preserve an environmental asset for future use, even if there is no current intention to use it. Bequest value is the desire to maintain an environmental asset for the benefit of future generations. Existence value is the satisfaction derived from knowing that an environmental asset exists, irrespective of any personal or future use.

Estimating non-use value is challenging because it cannot be directly observed through market transactions. Economists employ various methods to infer it, such as contingent valuation surveys, where respondents are asked about their willingness to pay for environmental preservation. These methods aim to capture the intangible benefits people associate with natural environments, biodiversity, or cultural heritage sites. Understanding non-use value is crucial for comprehensive environmental policy and decision-making, as it highlights the broader societal benefits of conservation beyond direct economic exploitation.