Economic value of rangelands in terms of willingness to pay (Case Study: Maleshoure and Gurgo rangelands in Boyer Ahmad city)

Rangeland ecosystems have many valuable functions, the value of the most of these functions yet unclear. The aim of this study was the determination of tourism value of Maleshoure and Gurgo rangelands in Boyer Ahmad city using individual’s willingness to pay.  To investigate the factors affecting the individual’s willingness to pay, The logit regression model was used.  Data extraction was carried out using a two-dimensional method, required data were collected by filling in a questionnaire and interviewing 150 visitors from the mentioned area. Based on the results of the model, nightly accommodation variables such as cost, household income, satisfaction with welfare services and the proposed rental rate were significant. These are the most effective factors in the number of visitors WTP for using the rangelands of the region. The results showed that 64 % of visitors are willing to pay for recreation. Results showed that the average WTP is equal to 25984 Rials. Also, the annual recreational value of this region was about 259840 Rials per hectare which could be sumup fot the whole atea as 1852 million Rials. This indicates that attention of visitors to the recreational resources of the area is heigh. Due to recreational value of the study area, it is suggested that policy makers, to increase the budget pay more attention on this factor. Also, tourism can play an important role in increasing the income of the rangers.