Gray to green: will households pay for constructed wetlands as nature-based water treatment in Peri-urban areas in the Philippines?

Date

6-2023

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology

College

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Casper B. Agaton

Committee Member

Edwin R. Abucay, Ryan Randle B. Rivera

Abstract

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are globally recognized as effective nature-based wastewater solutions. These systems use natural processes to clean wastewater, which has significant environmental and socio-economic benefits. As a result of increasing urbanization and a growing population, the Philippines is suffering from extreme water pollution. Effective wastewater management is essential in human settlements planning as it protects public health and the environment by reducing water source contamination and disease transmission. It also enhances overall sustainability and livability, leading to a higher standard of living. Economic analysis is required to determine the long-term viability ofsustainable projectssuch as CWs. This study employed the contingent valuation approach to investigate the willingness to pay (WTP) of 270 households in Fishermen’s Gawad Kalinga Village in Bayawan, Negros Oriental. Results showed that 96.3% of the respondents were willing to pay for constructed wetland services, with a mean WTP of 107.28 PHP. This holds a significant promise for the government and other stakeholders to embrace and invest on NBS to wastewater treatment such as CW projects. Future research should focus on cost-benefit analysis and real-options analysis to strengthen the study by comparing costs and benefits and investigate the flexibility and adaptability of the project.

Language

English

LC Subject

Constructed wetlands, Ecosystem services, Contingent valuation method, Willingness to pay

Document Type

Thesis

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