Page "Existence value" Paragraph 2

As the Canadian Privy Council explains, existence value is " A concept used to refer to the intrinsic value of some asset, normally natural / environmental.

It is the value of the benefits derived from the asset's existence alone.

For example, a tree can be valued in a number of ways, including its use value ( as lumber ), an existence value ( simply being there ), and an option value ( value of things that it could be used for ).

Existence value is separate from the value accruing from any use or potential use of the asset.