An application of choice experiment approach on total economic valuation of Arasbaran forests

Arasbaran has created unique treasures of environmental resources in the northwest geography of the country, irrespective of hunting, economic, social, and cultural attractions due to its rare herbaceous and animal species, pristine and vast landscapes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to estimate the total economic value of Arasbaran forests using choice experiment approach. The required data were collected through field studies and completion of a questionnaire among 334 visitors and citizens of ten cities from three provinces of East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan and Ardebil by multi-stage cluster sampling. The results of the study showed that the total value of Arasbaran forests is about 4956 billion rials; the information and refugee functions with the highest 43% and the production functions with 0.2% are the least part of the values of Arasbaran forests. Also, the non-use values with 34% and regulatory functions with 21% of the next rank in the total value of forests. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between the level of education, income, the viewpoints of people about the forest and the annual number of people willing to pay. The high value obtained for forests shows the need for appropriate planning and policy to protect and improve the condition of forests