Citizens' juries: an aid to environmental valuation?

Survey techniques such as contingent valuation have been used extensively b y environmental economists to develop an understanding of consumer preferen ces for environmental goods. On the basis of such techniques, recommendatio ns have been formulated in relation to environmental policy. However, the e xposure of weaknesses in this method has led economists to look to other in formation-gathering approaches which might enhance, and/or complement, envi ronmental valuation. One such approach is that of 'citizens' juries' (CJs). A CJ consists of a small group of people, selected to represent the genera l public rather than any interest group or sector, which meets to deliberat e upon a policy question. This approach may complement traditional approach es to data gathering on public preferences for environmental goods and serv ices by addressing some of the concerns that have been voiced regarding exi sting methods. First, CJs may be useful in tackling the problem of informat ion provision, and concerns relating to the level of understanding of the r espondent. Second, CJs may be a means of addressing the 'citizen value vers us consumer value' argument in environmental valuation. Third, CJs may help researchers understand how participants construct their values. Fourth, th is approach allows sustainability issues to be addressed explicitly. The au thors also discuss a number of problems associated with CJs and conclude wi th examples from two recent juries on environmental issues which were held in Scotland, and make recommendations on how environmental economists might utilise this tool.