Enrique Sanjurjo Rivera
National Institute of Ecology, Mexico

Abstract:An evaluation of the economic benefits of maintaining in-stream flows in the Colorado River Delta, using the Contingent Valuation Method is presented. A total of 614 surveys to water users, fishermen and tourists in the region were applied. The estimated amount of the benefits of in-stream flows in the Colorado River delta is of 3.8 million U.S. dollars per year, although this is a conservative amount. Through a cost-benefit analysis, it was calculated that 2.28 dollars would be generated by each dollar invested in securing an in-stream flow in the Colorado River. This shows that if the benefits generated by in-stream flows were a private firm it would be a profitable investment to maintain water in the river and charge for this. Being these benefits a public good, it is the obligation of the government to create the conditions to guarantee that these benefits are provided.  This specific report presents the research results of a complete team and is based in three previous papers that have not been presented all together yet.  

Key words:Colorado River Delta, Contingent Valuation, In-stream Flows, Total Economic Value.