RiVAS (and RiVAS+): Insights and lessons from 5 years’experience with the River Values Assessment System Research Completed
Title
RiVAS (and RiVAS+): Insights and lessons from 5 years’experience with the River Values Assessment System
Lead Author
Kenneth Hughey
Organisation(s)
Faculty of Environment, Society and Design, Lincoln University
Publication Year
2012
Publisher
New Zealand Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, New Zealand Agricultural and Resource Economics Society Conference, 30-31 August 2012. Nelson, New Zealand: New Zealand Agricultural and Resource Economics Society
Contacts
E-mail:
Faculty of Environment, Society and Design, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Lincoln, 7647, Christchurch, New Zealand
Abstract
The River Values Assessment System (RiVAS and RiVAS+) are tools that enable regional councils and others to ‘objectively’ and systematically evaluate rivers in their regions for their relative importance across the range of river values (e.g., native birds, irrigation and tangata whenau). RiVAS (which assesses existing importance) has been applied to 11 values, and to a large number of these in each of three regions (Tasman, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay). RiVAS+ (restoration potential) has had limited application. There are multiple insights from these applications. First, RiVAS and RiVAS+ are highly cost effective. At around $6000 per value-application councils obtain: a collaborative approach resulting in stronger relationships between councils and stakeholder groups; up to date (and user friendly and accessible) information on value-related data often never collected otherwise; lists of rivers ranked according to national (high), regional (moderate) and low (importance) using the same method; indications of where the best prospects for restoration activities exist; and information that is immediately useful in the broader policy making processes. The paper reports also on the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities associated with ongoing application of the tool.
Keywords:
RiVAS, river values
How to access
Areas of Focus
Settings (location)
Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Benefits, Delivery, Impacts - economic, Impacts - environmental, Impacts- social, Management, Planning, Policy
Views
1801
Added
February 8, 2013