Journal of Rangeland

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Assessing the ecological potentials, economic values and carrying capacity of the natural resources are required for utilizing natural resources sustainably. The importance of ecotourism has been increased since the population increased in the urban areas. This study aimed to estimate tourist's willingness to pay for preserving natural resources using contingent valuation method. The factors affecting willingness to pay were assessed by logit pattern and maximum likelihood estimation. Dichotomous Choice (DC) was used to estimate the proposed bids. The data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with 183 visitors from Chahrbagh area in Golestan province in spring and summer of 2015. The validity of questioners was assessed using expert’s opinions. According to the results, visitors monthly income and stay overnight were significantly affected recreational values of the area (α = 1%). Visits per a year, duration of each visit, gender and education were also significantly affected recreational values of the area (α = 5%) and influenced WTP of tourists for visiting the study area. The mean of WTP for recreational value of this rangeland was 14521 Rials per a visitor. The results highlight the recreational values of Chaharbagh rangelands, and it is the responsibility of policy maker’s to select appropriate management plans to conserve the natural resoureces of this area.

 

Keywords: Visit number, Logit model, Willingness to pay, education and Charbagh rangelands

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