Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Estimating residents’ willing to pay using contingent valuation for ecological restoration and recreational benefits of AL-Prespa protected area in Albania

Author(s):

Dorina Grazhdani

Recieved Date: 2014-06-09, Accepted Date: 2014-09-18

Abstract:

Protected areas (PAs) provide some important goods and services, thus making them an important contributor to social well-being. They are widely regarded as the cornerstones of  biodiversity conservation strategies worlwide, providing the main foundation for in situ conservation of flora and fauna,  being an important element of any sustainable development.  The double impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss are major threats to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially those relating to environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation and food and water security. Protected undeveloped areas are an important tool for land conservation in developing nations. Efficient land allocation decisions and resource management requires knowledge of non-market benefits. The contingent valuation method is a stated preference method of non-market valuation where respondents are asked to state their preferences for an environmental good or service that is not bought and sold in traditional markets. This study used contingent valuation method (CVM) to derive estimates of economic value for recreational benefits use of Albanian part of Prespa Park (AL-Prespa), in southeastern Albania. The contingent valuation survey used a dichotomous choice (DC) format followed by an open-ended question asking for their maximum WTP for restoration. Park visitors were surveyed regarding their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for ecological restoration and recreational benefits of area. The WTP responses were analysed using a probit procedure. The results of the study indicated that visitors are willing to pay increased entrance fees to finance ecological restoration and recreational benefits of areas damaged by human activities. Consumer surplus for ecological restoration and recreational benefits of the AL-Prespa elicited through the close-ended DC exercise was found to be € 1.4 per person, and elicited through the open-ended exercise was found to be about € 1.6. The factors and personal characteristics of the visitors that affect respondent’s WTP for ecological restoration and recreational benefits damaged by human activities in AL-Prespa could be important inputs in order to ensure successful environment protection. The results of this study also should be helpful to assist the authority for the fee system and how much they can increase the new entrance fee charged to the visitors.

Keywords:

AL-Prespa, contingent valuation, willing to pay, non-market value, protected area, ecological restoration, recreational benefits

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2014
Volume: 12
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 365-370

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