Estimating the recreational values of forest park using the contingent valuation method (case study: Kabudval Forest Park, Golestan Province of Iran)

Abstract

Forest parks are the main tourism sources in Iran. Growing population, traditional patterns changing, urban environmental contamination and emergent need of leisure times highlighted the importance of this issue. This study aimed to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) and non-market values of Kabudval Forest Park of Golestan province. For this purpose, the contingent valuation (CV) method based on the maximum likelihood logit regression model was used. The required data were obtained from 152 visitors to the park that were randomly selected in different seasons. Results indicated that the average of WTP for each individual to protect the park was calculated to be 34,850 Rials. Also, considering the total area of the park to be 109 hectares and 400,000 annual visitors, the recreational value of each hectare has been obtained 12,787,400 Rials annually. Also, the elasticities of income, education, age, and household size variables showed a significant effect on the WTP for the recreational use of the aforementioned study area. The location of the Negarestan storage dam and the Kabudval full moss waterfall in this park has increased the attractiveness of this park compared to other forest parks.