Conservation Value Estimation of Hara Forests Using the Approach of Compensated Willingness to Accept (WTA)

Wetland mangrove forests, are one of the unique ecosystems that provide a wide range of functions and ecosystem services such as food production, water purification and cleansing as well as providing the habitat and nursery grounds for birds and the other aquatic organisms. Despite the numerous and unique values, these ecosystems are now subject to a diversity of pollutions and threats caused by human activities, have become sensitive ecosystems with severely in need of protection. To achieve this goal- the WTA of local communities living in the areas adjacent to these forests was evaluated based on data derived from questionnaire surveys. The CVM questionnaires with dichotomous choice format were carefully designed with WTA measure and local people were asked about their preferences for reduction of access to Hara forests under hypothetical scenarios in which they would receive monetary compensation for lessening or forgoing forest utilization. The results of binary logit model for CVM survey data showed that 99 percent of respondents willing to accept a reduction in their forest utilization and participate in the protection programs. The mean WTA estimated 2110274 Rial/household/day (63308220 Rial/month).