Recreation Valuation of Mangrove Forest in Hormozgan Province

The main objective of this research is to estimate recreation value of mangrove forest in Hormozgan province. Recreation value was obtained by the mean of WTP for mangrove forest. Contingent valuation method (CVM) and double dichotomous choice (DDC) questionnaire are used to measure willingness to pay (WTP) for mangrove forest. Logit model and maximum likelihood methods are used to estimate WTP. The result showed that 94.5%, of respondents were ready to pay for recreation in mangrove forest. The mean of WTP for recreation value of mangrove forest calculated 3491 Rial/person. Finally, the results support for greater extension services, facilities for eco-tourism, and emphasis on rural population for participation in tourism activities is mangrove forest.