Evaluating effects of multiple land-use projects: A comparison of methods

Multiple land-use projects are complex by nature. This is demonstrated by the involvement of multiple stakeholders, often with conflicting interests, and the presence of effects that are intangible in monetary terms. As a consequence, the application of traditional evaluation methods such as cost-benefit analysis is sometimes insufficient. However, other methods such as multicriteria analysis are available. In this paper we investigate and evaluate the possible effects of multiple land use (MLU) by means of a literature review and a case study approach. The emphasis will especially be on the usefulness of multicriteria analysis in the evaluation of MLU projects.