November 13, 2024 — An innovative model that helps determine the right balance between ecological water preservation and human recreational needs—useful in water-scarce areas worldwide—has been developed by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

This model, published in Ecological Economics, focuses on how recreational activities like fishing, boating, and swimming—often overlooked in water management—should play a more central role in freshwater allocation policy. Increasing demand for recreational services significantly impacts where water streams should be diverted for different uses. This is especially crucial for water-scarce areas that must balance competing needs for agriculture, recreation, and domestic consumption.

Freshwater ecosystems help support local economies and enhance well-being. Households derive utility both from domestic allocation and from visiting freshwater sites. Taking this into account, Hebrew University researchers estimated the demand for recreational services as a function of the water site attributes, based on actual household visitation data. These demands were integrated into a comprehensive dynamic model of Israel’s water economy, in order to evaluate how each influences the optimal allocation and pricing of water.

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

The findings show a significant shift in water allocation when recreational services are considered. For example, a 20% increase in demand for flow-generated recreational services derived from 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 the Sea of Galilee to Israel and a 29% rise in groundwater extraction from aquifers, for example. These changes reflect a balancing act between maintaining water flows for recreational use and meeting the broader water consumption demands of the population.

The researchers believe 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.

Researchers from the Hebrew University Department of Environmental Economics and Management include Prof. Aliza Fleischer, Environmental Economist Yadin Gindin,  and Prof. Yacov Tsur.