ABSTRACT
This paper examines the existing demand for watershed services provided by reforestation in the Panama Canal Watershed. The 176analysis assumes certain watershed services to be potentially marketable (i.e., that these services do indeed exist and are fungible), and focuses on ascertaining the potential demand for dry season flow regulation, nutrient regulation, and sediment filtration. The analysis examines actual and potential demand for these services from five known water consumers: the Panama Canal Authority, private shippers who use the Canal, hydroelectric producers, the Comisión Interinstitucional de la Cuenca Hidrográfica, and the National Aqueducts and Sewage Institution. We find that actual demand is much lower than the potential indicated by the value each consumer realizes from its water use. We attribute the difference to scientific uncertainty regarding the link between dry season flows and forest conversion and to institutional factors specific to each consumer, doi: 10.1300/J091 v25n01_08 [Article copies available for o, fee front The Haworth Document Delivery Service.’ 1-800-HAWORTH E-ntail address.’ <docdelivery@haworthpress.cont> Website.’ <https://www.HaworthPress.cont> © 2007 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
