The Relative Economic Value of Tropical Forest Rivers for Social Recreation and Nature-based Recreation: Implications for Estimating the Economic Benefits of New Hiking Trails



Document title: The Relative Economic Value of Tropical Forest Rivers for Social Recreation and Nature-based Recreation: Implications for Estimating the Economic Benefits of New Hiking Trails
Journal: Revista de ciencias sociales (Río Piedras)
Database: CLASE
System number: 000404590
ISSN: 0034-7817
Authors: 1
2
Institutions: 1Universidad de Puerto Rico, Escuela Graduada de Planificación, Río Piedras, San Juan. Puerto Rico
2Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Estados Unidos de América
Year:
Number: 20
Pages: 156-175
Country: Puerto Rico
Language: Inglés
Document type: Artículo
Approach: Analítico
Spanish abstract Aplicamos el Método de Valoración Contingente utilizando un cuestionario administrado a 919 visitantes para determinar el valor de un viaje al Bosque Nacional del Yunque, calculando las diferencias en valor entre aquellos que participan principalmente en actividades sociales versus los que disfrutan esencialmente de actividades asociadas a la naturaleza. Nuestros resultados confirman la hipótesis de que los visitantes que participan principalmente de actividades dependientes del ambiente natural están dispuestos a pagar más que los que visitan primordialmente por motivos sociales. Hay un mayor número de sustitutos para las actividades sociales. No conocemos de investigaciones previas en bosques tropicales que estimen la valoración de actividades recreativas por tipo. Ambos tipos de usuarios asignan un valor positivo a la presencia de veredas en los lugares recreativos en el río. Las valoraciones de atributos naturales y construidos por tipo de actividad en las zonas recreativas del río pueden ser de utilidad para las entidades gubernamentales a cargo de la planificación y el mantenimiento de instalaciones recreativas
English abstract We apply the Contingent Valuation method (CVM) using a survey of 919 visitors to determine the value of a trip to free-flowing rivers on the El Yunque National Forest, and differences in that value for those primarily participating in nature-based recreation activities versus those participating primarily in social-based recreation activities. We were able to confirm the hypothesis that visitors who come to the forest to engage in nature-related activities dependent on particular forest attributes, are willing to pay more than those who engage mainly in social activities. There are several substitute locations where social recreation activities can take place; nature-related recreation activities have more limited substitutes. We are not aware of any previous research conducted at tropical rain forests that estimates valuation of how river recreation values vary with whether recreation activities chosen are nature-based or social-based. All users, whether they engage in naturerelated or social activities, place a positive value on the presence of foot trails at the river recreation sites. Site and built attribute valuations by type of recreation activity may assist government officials in planning for built features at recreation sites, as well as maintaining existing facilities
Disciplines: Economía
Keyword: Economía de servicios,
Ecología,
Puerto Rico,
Bosque Nacional del Yunque,
Valoración,
Método de valoración contingente,
Recreación,
Pago,
Actividades sociales,
Naturaleza
Full text: Texto completo (Ver PDF)