Estimating preservation Value of Arasbaran Forests Ecosystem Using Contingent Valuation Method

Forests are one of the most important natural resources of economic development in developing countries, and helps socio-economic development by producing goods and services. But large part of these benefits becomes lost because of forests degradation and deforestation, finally ensuing to stimulate in preserving forests. The purpose of this study is to estimate preservation value of Arasbaran forests ecosystem by contingent valuation method. Data collected from 13 provinces of Iran using survey of 509 respondents. Results show that families willing to pay 112520 Rials annually to preserve Arasbaran forests ecosystem. Also, preservation value of each hectare of this ecosystem is 6709020 Rials per year. This amount can be used as estimation by policymakers to attract economic supports for preserving these forests.