Estimating the recreational value of oak forest in Sirvan and Chardavol Townships using contingent valuation method (CVM)

Ecosystems and environmental resources are considered as human and natural heritage and main assets in ecotourism. Recreational use is one of the major benefits of forest resources, as the main component of natural ecosystems. Neglect or low and improper valuation of these resources, which are considered as free goods and services led to non-optimal allocation and improper management and planning. Economic valuation of natural ecosystems and tourism potential of different regions, will be an effective management tool for the implementation and achievement of development programs. Extensive forest cover in Chardavol & Sirvan townships in Ilam province, possesses a favorable environment for recreational use. The present study carried out to estimate the recreational value of this forests resources and explain the factors influencing people's willingness to pay by contingent valuation method. To achieve this, double bounded questionnaire and Logit model were used deals with a study of 240 samples. In total, nearly 74% of respondents are willing to pay from 20 to 100 thousand Rails. Results of Logit analysis showed that demographics variables including age, income accompanied by environmental attitudes and tourism orientation, have a positive and significant effect on estimating people's willingness to pay that more than 71 percent were able to predict it. Other variables of gender, education, economic attitudes of forest exploitation and conservation perspective, have not a significant role in this regard. Average willingness to pay per household for year for recreational uses and maintenance of oak forests was estimated 5687.5 Rials and accordingly, with respect to the total households in the region, the annual recreational value of forests was also 1011530980 Rials estimated. This rate is considerable potential wealth in the hands of policy-makers and local administrators for planning and sustainable and optimal utilization of the region's high potential recreation, investment, protection and preservation of forest resources, attract more tourists and create greater employment and income opportunities, especially for rural communities in the region.