ABSTRACT
Benefits of some wetlands will always be difficult to quantify and measure. However, various wetland goods and services are extremely valuable, and in many cases, a measurable economic value can be obtained. The economic value of ecological functions in sustaining the livelihood and cultures of human societies cannot be disregarded in development and conservation policy since these values allow us to make informed decisions about tradeoffs and help in the conservation of natural resources to enhance human welfare. Valuation studies are necessary to fully capture the economic and ecological linkages that make wetlands valuable.
