The role of riparian buffer in water quality improvement : an economic perspective / Beryl Rajbhandari.

Rajbhandari, Beryl. (2003). The role of riparian buffer in water quality improvement : an economic perspective / Beryl Rajbhandari. Master's Thesis, School of Natural and Rural Systems Management, The University of Queensland.

       
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Author Rajbhandari, Beryl.
Thesis Title The role of riparian buffer in water quality improvement : an economic perspective / Beryl Rajbhandari.
School, Centre or Institute School of Natural and Rural Systems Management
Institution The University of Queensland
Publication date 2003
Thesis type Master's Thesis
Total pages 107
Language eng
Subjects 14 Economics
Formatted abstract Riparian buffer peljorn1s multitude of ecosystem services and one of its valuable services is the mitigation of turbidity in waterways. It acts as a filter for the surface run-off, thus preventing the run-off from reaching the waterways. The valuation of intractable goods and services, such as ecosystem services and goods, is an emerging field in non-market economics. The objectives of the study were to estimate the economic value of the ecosystem services performed by the riparian buffer and to investigate on the possibilities of creating market for the riparian buffer. Brisbane River was chosen as the area of study. Land has been extensively cleared in the catchments that drain into the Brisbane River causing increased turbidity in the river. One of the manifestations of the increased turbidity is the increase in the cost of water treatment. Studies have reported that the Lockyer Catchment in South-East Queensland, is one of the most polluting rivers that drains into Brisbane River. Extensive clearing of land for agriculture and housing purposes has increased the surface run-off in Lockyer. The first objective was achieved through cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA). CEA was performed to estimate the value of the riparian buffer. The value of was estimated by Computing the costs of water treatment at Mt .Crosby Water Treatment Plant, with and without the presence of riparian buffer in Lockyer. The computation of the value was based on several assumptions. One of the key assumptions was that all the sediments fron1 Lockyer ended up at Mt. Crosby Treatment Plant. The result illustrated that the cost treating water with the riparian was almost $60 million less than the cost of treating without it. The second objective of the study was to investigate the market-instruments applicable for trading the costs and benefits of riparian buffer. Among various market Schemes, Offset and Auction schemes were deemed suitable for trading costs and benefits associated with riparian buffer. However, the success of such schemes would rest on clear definition of property rights, scientific certainty and efficiency of administering body.
Keyword Water quality -- Queensland -- Brisbane River.
Riparian areas -- Queensland -- Brisbane River.

 
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