Who pays more to preserve a natural reserve, visitors or locals? A confidence analysis of a contingent valuation application

Abstract

Because of the current trend in nature degradation, protected areas are gaining importance. Ehden reserve in Lebanon is one such example, a reserve providing shelter to a substantial number of endangered species. This paper was designed to have three main objectives which are firstly to measure respondents’ willingness to pay (WTP) to preserve the protected area, drawing a distinction between visitors and residents to ascertain whether there are any appreciable differences and why these might arise; Secondly, to identify the best ways to collect local funds; Thirdly, to investigate further studies and to inform decision makers about the importance of a long-term conservation and sustainable program. Using an open ended questionnaire, contingent valuation method is applied to obtain the WTP. The WTP is then tested by using a stepwise multiple regression model relating WTP to all socio demographic variables. Finally the problems of hypothetical bias are explored.