An economic valuation of watershed pollution in Rarotonga, the Cook Islands

Abstract

The watersheds of the Cook Islands provide residents and visitors with a wide range of environmental services such as the supply of drinking water, natural filtration of freshwater run-off, recreational opportunities and scenery. Whilst important the value of these services is not readily apparent in economic terms. This means they can easily be overlooked in decision making and policy formulation. There is a pressing need to better understand the economic value of the nation's watersheds to raise awareness and inform investment and regulatory decisions.