The Total Economic Value of Lands with Civic Uses as a Tool for Their Protection and Enhancement: A Case Study in Tuscany

Abstract

This study aims to quantify the economic value of environmental externalities by proposing an approach tailored to areas designated for “civic uses”. These areas fall within the broader category of “collective goods” on which the legislator places particular emphasis, especially in regard to their protection and enhancement. The technique applied in this study is the total economic value (TEV), quantified through a spatialization and modeling of socioeconomic and environmental variables on Geographic Information Systems. The methodology was used for a specific case study area, the forests of Land Association “Bosco dei Bardi” in the Tuscany region of central Italy. This area exhibits the same characteristics and fulfills the same functions as those designated for civic uses. The results demonstrate the importance of providing public decision-makers with appropriate tools to protect and enhance these areas. The results also underscore the economic significance of forest ecosystem services compared to average regional values. The study finally confirms that Land Associations present a promising avenue for revitalizing abandoned territories, consistent with civic use objectives.