Economic Valuation of The Nature Conservancy’s Watershed Conservation Activities in Waikamoi Preserve, Maui
This study demonstrates the long-term cost-effectiveness of watershed protection, with upfront costs offset by sustained increases in water availability and ecosystem benefits over time.
Subject Tags
- Watersheds
- Land management
- Ecosystem management
Summary
The economic value of The Nature Conservancy’s watershed conservation work at Waikamoi Preserve on Maui is quantified via ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and freshwater supply. Conservation actions—like fencing, invasive species control, and ungulate removal—generate long-term benefits, including billions of gallons of water yield and improved ecosystem function, with measurable return on investment over time. The study demonstrates that protecting native forests provides substantial economic and environmental value, even though benefits accrue gradually over decades.
Citation
Bremer, L., Wada, C., Burnett, K., Medoff, S., Page, J., Lee, S., Falinski, K., Allen, S. 2018. Economic Valuation of The Nature Conservancy’s Watershed Conservation Activities in Waikamoi Preserve, Maui. University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. 23 pp.
TNC Authors
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Kim Falinski
Lead Water Scientist. Hawaiʻi & Palmyra
The Nature Conservancy
Email: kim.falinski@tnc.org