Estimating the Recreational Value of Eram Garden of Shiraz using Contingent Valuation Method

According to the increasing importance of green space and environment، decision making of environmental policy is growing at the national level and internationally، so there is an urgent need for information that could be used to promote efficient environmental decision making. In this study the economic benefits associated with Eram Garden of Shiraz، is estimated using a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation survey design. Required data were collected using questionnaires and interviews with the 219 visitors from the garden in 2010. Results showed that visitor is willing to pay 7251 Rials per day، resulting in aggregate benefits of 2. 75 billion Rials annually. The present value of these aggregate benefits equals to 3. 8 billion Rials، using a social discount rate of 7. 2 %. This study also shows that the amount of visitor’s willingness to pay with education، income، quality and interest orchard environment has a direct and significant relationship and with the proposed amount has a negative and significant relationship. Using the Bayesian estimation indicated that ultimately both approach have the same results.