Incorporating cultural and recreational ecosystem services of freshwater within Israel’s water economy

Researchers have developed a model incorporating recreational freshwater ecosystem services like fishing and swimming into water allocation policies. The study shows that increasing demand for recreational services significantly impacts how water diversion should be distributed across different sources, balancing ecological preservation with human needs. This approach is vital in water-scarce areas where it's essential to balance the competing demands for water among agriculture, drinking, and recreation.

[Hebrew University] Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have introduced an innovative model that incorporates recreational freshwater ecosystem services into water allocation decisions. The study, conducted by Aliza Fleischer, student Yadin Gindin and Yacov Tsurfrom the Department of Environmental Economics and Management at the Faculty of Agriculture, focuses on how recreational activities like fishing, boating, and swimming—often overlooked in water management—should play a more central role in water allocation policy.

Freshwater ecosystems provide not only provisional services such as drinking but also recreational opportunities that support local economies and enhance well-being. The researchers estimated the demand for recreational services as a function of the water site attributes based on household actual visitation data. They then integrated these demands into a comprehensive dynamic model of Israel's water economy to evaluate how they influence the optimal allocation and pricing of water.

Their findings highlight a significant shift in water allocation when recreational services are considered. For example, a 20% increase in demand for flow-generated recreational services, such as those offered by rivers and streams, leads to a 24% reduction in water diversion from these water bodies. At the same time, more water is drawn from other sources, with a 13% increase in water diverted from Lake Kinneret and a 29% rise in groundwater extraction from aquifers. These changes reflect a balancing act between maintaining water flows for recreational use and meeting the broader water demands of the population.

“The results of our study show that water management policies can no longer ignore the value that recreational activities provide to communities,” said Prof. Fleischer. “By accounting for these services, policymakers can make more informed decisions that benefit both the environment and the public.”

This approach is particularly relevant in water-scarce regions like Israel, where balancing competing needs for water resources—whether for agriculture, drinking water, or recreational use—is crucial. The model developed by Fleischer, Gindin, and Tsur offers a holistic solution that integrates ecological preservation with human needs, providing a forward for more sustainable and efficient water management.

The researchers believe that this model could be applied in other countries facing similar challenges, where recreational water use is often sidelined in favor of industrial or agricultural demands. By recognizing the value of freshwater ecosystem services, governments can adopt water allocation strategies that ensure both ecological health and human enjoyment of freshwater resources.

This study marks a significant step forward in promoting water policies that prioritize long-term sustainability and foster a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing issue worldwide, the integration of recreational ecosystem services into decision-making processes could prove instrumental in shaping the future of water management.