My name is Irene Ndobo and I am currently an Honours student in the Department of Environmental Science at Rhodes University. I am working on a project titled Interest Group and Citizen Attitudes towards the Economic Valuation and Commodification of Nature and Ecosystem Services under the supervision of Prof Sheona Shackleton.
The aim of this study is to gain insights on the views and opinions of various actors (NGO workers, consultants, academics and students) with a working knowledge of natural resource management, conservation or the economic valuation of nature. Differing perspectives are sought because as the literature suggests people view and value nature in a myriad of ways which can ultimately influence how they would place an economic value on nature. And given the different ways people value nature it may pose an interesting challenge for a market-based approach to conserving nature. Some commentators not only highlight this potential challenge but also look at the dangers of appropriation which could lead to the exclusion of the poor who may be dependent on these natural resources.
I have designed a questionnaire to address my research questions, and have made it available online -> https://goo.gl/forms/RHhSZhH8VW or I can send a word version if preferred. Please feel free to respond to the survey, and to email me if there is a problem with the link provided or if you want to find out more about the study.
Email: irenendobo@gmail.com or g11n2444@campus.ru.ac.za
