Non-market valuation and Indigenous Peoples’ values: researcher constraints and policy impacts
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Non-market valuation (NMV) may be used to inform environmental management decisions, including those involving the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples. We conducted a mixed-methods survey of authors from peer-reviewed NMV studies to gain insights into the policy impact and constraints from their work. We collected 25 survey responses, drawn from a list of 63 peer-reviewed studies, which were included in a recent systematic literature review of NMV within the context of Indigenous Peoples’ values and the environment. Survey results suggest that NMV’s technical limitations are relatively infrequent constraints to policy change. Rather, a lack of research resources to support policy change and poor uptake by policymakers are key roadblocks. Further, we note challenges in the academic merit system that may constrain, to some extent, researchers’ motivations and ability to dedicate their work to policy change. We offer options for future Indigenous Peoples’ NMV studies to catalyze policy impact: 1) understand policy needs and possible knowledge translation pathways; 2) identify and plan for critical barriers; 3) adopt appropriate ethical frameworks and methodological best-practices; 4) ensure sufficient project resources are available for extensive and meaningful engagement and for Indigenous-led research with local communities; and 5) leverage researcher networks to consolidate new evidence and transmit a consistent evidence-based message to policymakers.
Source: Environmental Science & Policy
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,010
Funder: Australian Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W4391291091