Can the market help keep streams flowing?

Rob Harmon works on energy and natural resources policy, currently through his own venture Convenient Opportunities. Rob’s TED talk from October 2010 discusses the case of  water abstraction from the Prickly Pear Creek, Montana, USA, where an innovative market-based mechanism is being used to encourage farmers, brewers and other businesses to conserve the creek through economic incentives.

Have a look at the video, and read the detailed discussion between the speaker and audience below it, then let us know your thoughts.

Can similar ideas be used elsewhere in the world?  What are the pros and cons of conservationists engaging with such market-based mechanisms?

As ever, we’re keen to hear your voice in the debate.