With gradual emergence of desertification reversal after inception of combative attempts in China, its evaluation which is based on solid identification is imperative. However, either identification or evaluation lacks consensus and are limited in earlier studies. This paper endeavors to fill this gap by relying on a systematic review of recent studies. After a clarification of causal relation of identification and evaluation, an argument of indicators and models selection is presented taking sustainability, cost and benefits, public interest and individual behavior into account. At first, we emphasize the logical and sequential importance of identification as prerequisite of evaluation, and demonstrate that fundamental identification could be operated by both direct and indirect implementations, though direct implementation usually seems to be a favorite alternative. Here, we emphasize a consideration of sustainable development, cost and benefits, public interest and individual behaviors together, due to the hiatus of incorporating economic and ecological segments together, and the innate theoretical deficiencies on environmental products of traditional economic and ecological methods of evaluation. Thus, we conceptually merge the economic and ecological segments into one theoretical framework. However, no matter how elaborate the models is, there is an apparent gap of both identification and evaluation due to failure of dynamic interpretations, thereby, it may be future trend and urgency on models' elaboration.
The contingent valuation method (CVM) is one of the main methods for evaluating non-market values of resources. It originated in the United States and was introduced into China during the 1980s and 1990s. However, application of CVM in China is highly controversial based on three primary aspects: (1) the appropriate guidelines for CVM; (2) the elicitation techniques for willingness to pay (WTP); and (3) reliability and validity testing of CVM. The major objectives of this paper are to review the recent developments pertaining to guidelines, elicitation techniques, and reliability and validity testing for application of CVM, and to summarize the limitations of and measures for improving application of CVM in China. The applicability of CVM in China is discussed to enhance the future development of CVM in China.
