Well, the only real option to get any value is changing the itinerary for the same passenger if the fees for doing so are more reasonable than loosing the money entirely.

Keep in mind that you may be able to change destination and date. I've changed a return to DXB which I was unable to take (and was non-refundable) to a return to YVR. It cost a bit of money (but overall it meant I still retained 80% or so of the face value of the ticket.

I'd suggest have some flexible dates and destinations if you choose to go this way.

This will work better (and make more financial sense) for long haul, where the change fee is a smaller component of the total cost than it would be for short haul.