The economic valuation of non-market goods is an important issue in thefield of environmental economics. It helps to overcome market failures, to guide policy decisions on sustainable resource use, and it is an essential input for cost-benefit analyses. Yet, surprisingly few scientists have actually applied empirical valuation methods in the German language area.

The book aims at showing the current state of the art in non-market valuation in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It presents twelve articles which are concerned with various aspects of the application of stated preference methods, i.e., methods that use surveys in order to value non-market goods and services. The papers are assigned to the sections "Contingent Valuation”, "Choice Experiments”, "Comparative Studies” and "Benefit Transfer”.

One objective of the book is to provide policy makers in the German language area with an overview of how valuation methods can be applied. Moreover, it elucidates the strengths and weaknesses of stated preference methods. Equally, the book aims at scientists, as it covers a range of methodological challenges and innovative approaches to tackle these.