Environmental economics of the Khangchendzonga National Park in the Sikkim Himalaya, India |
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Authors: | Iyatta Maharana SC Rai E Sharma |
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Institution: | (1) G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development PO. Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim-, 737102, India |
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Abstract: | A contingent valuation survey was conducted involving local community members, domestic and foreign visitors to estimate the
environmental economics of the Khangchendzonga National Park and to elicit their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for its maintenance
and conservation. Using a random survey, the average WTP was US$ 8.84 for foreign visitors per visit, followed by US$ 6.20
per household per year by local community members and US$ 1.91 per domestic visitor per visit for improvement in environmental
conservation. The WTP was strongly influenced by age, education and income. The present study demonstrated that the contingent
valuation method (CVM) is a promising approach, however it lacks inclusion of non-monetary contributions. The WTP for environmental
management by the local communities was mostly in kind or time for services. The CVM can be a useful tool for decision-makers
regarding investment and policy purposes for management of biodiversity hot spots and protected areas in developing countries.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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Keywords: | contingent valuation bidding game biodiversity protected areas conservation |
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