International journal of ecological economics and statistics · 2014 · 13 citations · 0 references
Open access
Natural ResourcesBiodiversity ConservationNatural Resource EconomicsConservation EconomicsEnvironmental EconomicsEnvironmental ValuationContingent ValuationStated Preference MethodsWetland ConservationWetland ManagementWetland ValuationWillingness To PayBiodiversity Conservation EconomicsBiodiversity Conservation ValuationDichotomous Choice ElicitationDichotomous Choice FormatEconomic Value AnalysisEconomic Value EstimationSingle-bounded Dichotomous ChoiceWetland Conservation Economics
The present study estimates the economic value of preserving biodiversity of Pongdam Wetland in Himachal Pradesh, a Ramsar Wetland in Western- Himalayas. A Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was used to estimate Willingness to Pay (WTP) of 208 randomly selected respondents from the vicinities of Pongdam. Using single-bounded dichotomous choice format the mean Willingness to Pay worked out Rs. 75 per year. The mean open-ended WTP was estimated as Rs.368 per year. The results showed that the local people prefer to preserve the wetland biodiversity and are willing to pay for the Joint Management of the Pongdam biodiversity. This in turn can help policy makers to design a right mix of policy instruments and ensure sustainable use of Western Himalaya wetlands.