Abstract
Simplifying and popularizing the preservation values (valuation methods) of national parks—based on the premise of accuracy—shows stakeholders the importance of national parks, and is the basis for exploring sustainable use and development mechanisms. However, there are hypotheses biases, strategic biases, and starting point biases in regards to the existing evaluation methods. Therefore, based on the results of the contingent valuation method of research, under bounded rationality, this study uses the two-stage dichotomous choice contingent valuation and selects three methods to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for preservation at Wuyishan National Park. The results support that the two-stage contingent valuation method could effectively evade uncertainty with a “willingness to pay” decision making under bounded rationality, and factually reflect the real WTP. The results show that: (1) the average willingness to pay (truncated) of each household in Wuyishan National Park is CNY 609 (USD 93.90), which is similar to the actual average tourism expenditure of each household. (2) The cultural worldviews and perceived restorative environment have significant impacts on willingness to pay. (3) Comparing the preservation value of Wuyishan National Park with the actual financial input plays a positive role in manifesting the importance of Wuyishan National Park and attracting more financial input. The preservation value of Wuyishan National Park in the key market is about six times that of the basic market and one-third of that in the national market, which provides a theoretical basis for selecting the key tourism development market of Wuyishan National Park. (4) Those respondents believe that more funds should be put into protecting the national parks for their sustainable existence and bequeathing to future generations, which shows that the construction of the national park system is significant in improving natural values. This study attempted to provide theoretical support for improving non-market value and sustainable development of national parks.
Highlights
IntroductionAs typical natural reserves, are known for their public attributes of maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the natural ecosystem, as well as the biodiversity
Introduction published maps and institutional affilNational parks, as typical natural reserves, are known for their public attributes of maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the natural ecosystem, as well as the biodiversity
2 illustrates the probability of respondents with willingness to pay (WTP) for the given amount when payment of the preservation fund was required for the perpetual existence of Wuyishan National Park
Summary
As typical natural reserves, are known for their public attributes of maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the natural ecosystem, as well as the biodiversity. They provide many non-market products and services in addition to market products [1,2]. The economic value of national parks consists of use and non-use value. Non-use value, known as preservation value, is the main component of economic value. It refers to the value that humankind is willing to pay for improving and protecting non-used resources, including option value, existence value, and bequest value. In the pure market environment, such value is difficult to be manifested [2]
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