For what its worth

Subjective vs Objective perspectives on valuing water

The value of water has historically been contested by different forces of society. After all, it is a life-
dependant resource: a cup of water for a stranded person in the desert might be worth more than all
wealth in the world. In a global context of continuing population and economic growth that
pressures the water system, the importance of correctly valuing water is growing as well. Can water
prices be aligned with the value of the varied benefits, some of them intangible, water confers to its
users, while maintaining an equitable access to all users and a sustainable use, or should water prices
be constrained to the costs of its supply? How to better approach the dilemma of valuing water
when social, economic, cultural, spiritual and even political spheres value water differently, and with
different tools? Valuing water is an essential debate we must have at a global and regional scale, as
the value of water is at the core of water security.

Programme Location A1a

17:45: Word of Welcome by The Valuing Water initiative
17:50: Valuing water in a financial and investment perspective - Piet Klop
18:05: Valuing water as an economic, environmental and social good - David Zetland
18:20: Debate: The Bellagio principles examined1
18:50: Public discussions and questions
19:25: Closing remarks and thanks by The Valuing Water initiative
19:30 21:00: Drinks and socialising at Grand Cafe Verderop

About the debaters

Piet Klop develops PGGMs 20 billion euro investing in solutions portfolio, including impact
measurement. He also manages a number of special projects including ESG integration in strategic
asset allocation. Before joining PGGM Investments in July 2011, Piet was at the World Resources
Institute in Washington DC and held senior positions at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and in the private sector. As water resources expert he worked at the World Bank and United
Nations. Piet holds masters degrees in Water Resources Management (Wageningen University,
1989) and Applied Environmental Economics (University of London, 1999).

David Zetland is an Assistant Professor at Leiden University College The Hague, where he teaches
various classes on economics. He received his PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from UC
Davis. He blogs on water, economics and politics at aquanomics.com, has two books ( The End of
Abundance: economic solutions to water scarcity and Living with Water Scarcity), gives many talks to
public, professional and academic audiences, and writes for popular and academic outlets. David
lives in Amsterdam.

Contact information for external attendees send e-mail to:

Jonatan Godinez Madrigal: j.godinezmadrigal@un-ihe.org

1
For more information on the Bellagio Principles drafted by the High Level Panel on Water of the
United Nations visit: https://goo.gl/pCQUwV