HONG KONG, Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- A method of attributing a financial value to water is needed to allow individuals, investors, banks and governments to appraise and understand their water resource, according to RICS' information paper which is launched today.
A universal method for attributing value to water as a separate resource has never existed. However, population growth and burgeoning levels of food production mean that the world's water resources are becoming increasingly valuable. By ascribing a financial value to water, the commercial sector would be encouraged to manage and develop the resource in a more positive way.
Currently, when buying or leasing a property or piece of land, water resource valuations are being carried out on an improvised basis, or indeed not at all, due to the lack of a definitive methodology. However, the nature and availability of water resources could have a considerable impact on the value of property. RICS would like to see a standardised approach to ensure valuation accuracy and bring about a step change in attitude as to how water is both used and managed.
Hugh Fell, FRICS, primary author of the paper, said:
"This paper is the first of its kind to suggest placing a value on the world's most precious resource, water. Population growth and the dramatic rise in demand for food has led to a growing requirement for water and placed a serious strain on resources. The economic value of water will, undoubtedly, become increasingly important in an environment of heightened awareness and security of supply.
By launching this paper, we are highlighting the fact that water is a separately identifiable asset that has a financial value. Once a monetary value is placed on the resource, and people begin to understand its true worth, it is likely that the commercial and financial sectors will sit up and take far more notice of this valuable resource."
Henry Li, Chairman of RICS China said:
"Water valuation is a new concept for industry professionals. Currently there is little or no awareness of the content and importance of water resource valuation. Many members have little idea of its practical application. For this reason, the Information Paper-Valuation of water as a separate resource needs to be widely distributed to professional valuers, governments, investors and financial institutions in emerging Asia countries particularly in China where water resources are becoming increasingly scarce. In this way, when they demand water valuation, global standard will be applied accordingly."
If you would like to download the Valuation Paper, please click at the link below:
http://creativegp.com/RICS/RICS_Valuation_of_Water_Information_Paper.pdf
About RICS & RICS Asia
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the mark of property professionalism worldwide. It covers all aspects of property, construction and associated environmental issues. RICS has 140,000 members globally and represents, regulates and promotes the work of property professionals throughout 122 countries.
The RICS Asia supports a network of over 11,000 individual professionals across the Asia Pacific region with an objective to help develop the property and construction markets in these countries, by introducing professional standards, best practice and international experience. It promotes RICS and its members as the natural advisors on all property matters. It also ensures that services and career development opportunities are provided to members.
The RICS Asia region covers national associations and local groups locating in Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, The People's Republic of China and the SAR Hong Kong. It also has members working across the region such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos PDR, Macao, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, The Maldives, The Philippines, Timor East and Vietnam. For more information, please visit: www.ricsasia.org.
Media enquiry, please contact:
Ms Belinda Chan / Ms Ava Lau
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Email: belinda@creativegp.com / ava@creativegp.com
