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| This paper presents a choice experiment study of a proposed wetland restoration
project which aims to preserve archaeological artefacts from Stone Age villages
which are presently buried within the topsoil. Wetland restoration can avoid
destruction of the artefacts due to agricultural cultivation and drainage, and in
addition improve biological diversity and recreational opportunities. The results
indicate that even though the artefacts are not visible or usable for the population
of today, but may contain information and potential value for future generations,
the strongest preferences displayed is for ensuring permanent protection
of archaeological artefacts, rather than biological diversity and recreational
opportunities. The results are discussed in relation to the Prospect Theory:
people value a loss of cultural heritage higher than a gain of new cultural goods
or services. This insight is of general interest to cultural economics and cultural
policy, especially with respect to heritage protection. | |
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