Social cost-benefit analyses of alternative land use types in the example of Sofulu damping area (Adana)

ABSTRACT PhD THESIS SOCIAL COST - BENEFIT ANALYSES OF ALTERNATIVE LAND USE TYPES IN THE EXAMPLE OF SOFULU DAMPING AREA (ADANA) CENGİZ USLU DEPARTMENT OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE INSTITUTE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF ÇUKUROVA Supervisor : Prof. Dr. Muzaffer YÜCEL Year: 2002, Pages: 161 Jury : Prof. Dr. Muzaffer YÜCEL : Prof. Dr. Faruk ALTUNKAS A : Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veli ORTAÇEŞME The aim of the social cost-benefit analysis is to determine the social benefits and feasibility of the projects related to the environment and community, and to identify the criteria for evaluating the various alternatives at the decision making process. The suitable land use alternatives have theoretically been assessed by using contingent valuation method at Adana - Sofulu Waste Damping area following to reclamation works. According to research results, it has been determined that the benefits of soil coverage; afforestation; city park 143, 102 and 60 times more than their costs respectively. It has been concluded that, Social Cost-benefit analysis can be applied to proposed investments about environmental improvement; and the environmental components which are qualified as free goods can be represented within the market pricing system by adding market value. Key Words: Social Cost-benefit analysis, Contingent Valuation Method, Waste Damping Area