9. Conclusion

The economic tool in the field of water management has become essential due to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, and is an important decision-making tool in the following areas:

• designation of heavily modified water bodies ;

• exemptions from deadlines or targets ;

• choice of measurements ;

• application of the polluter-pays and cost-recovery principles ;

• use of payment systems for environmental services.

Monetizing environmental and health impacts and/or benefits, and assessing the value of our natural heritage, remains a difficult task. Various valuation techniques exist, and these are described in detail in this article. Their advantages and limitations...