Economic Valuation of non-use Functions (preservation value, heritage and existence) of Environmental Resource International Govater Bay and Hur-e-Bahu Wetland

International Govater Bay and Hur-e-Bahu Wetland is located in the South East of Iran. This wetland is important for vegetation characteristics such as mangrove forests and due to the overall status is the most important wetland for many migratory birds and marine organisms like fish and sea turtles. The aim of this study was to economically evaluate the non-consumption values of environmental resources of International Govater Bay and Hur-e-Bahu Wetland and to sensitize regional and national services to the study areas as environmental assets and to promote its position in development policy.

This research were carrying out to determine non-consumptive values (the value of conservation, heritage and existence) of International Govater Bay and Hur-e-Bahu Wetland and measure individual’s willingness to pay (WTP) for preservation and recreational benefits based on contingent valuation (CV) and dichotomous choice (DC) in 2015. In this regards, the value of biological, cultural, natural and existential interest in hunting, willingness to pay for wildlife habitat, air pollution control, vision and values protected by the state visit, the positive effects on agricultural wetlands and wildlife value of the area in terms of three functions , recreation and tourism and improve the climate of the region is estimated. Random sampling, 315 questionnaires were collected from residents.

The mean of willingness to pay for preservation value of this wetland is 48965 RLs. The results show that the total economic value of non-use functions of International Govater Bay and Hur-e-Bahu Wetland is about 78.285.220.701 rials.

Results revealed that International Govater Bay and Hur-e-Bahu Wetland had considerable preservation and recreational values. Thus, these values provide enough justification for policy makers to maintain the quality of International Govater Bay and Hur-e-Bahu Wetland, and avoid degrading wetland resources.