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Exploring Public Support for Bolivia’s Protected Areas: A Contingent Valuation Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Stefanie Rakela

    (Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Pablo Sanchez No 6981, Entre Calles 1 y 2 de Irpavi, La Paz, Bolivia)

  • Thais Vilela

    (Conservation Strategy Fund, Washington, DC 20036, USA)

  • Sophia Espinoza

    (Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Pablo Sanchez No 6981, Entre Calles 1 y 2 de Irpavi, La Paz, Bolivia)

  • Alfonso Malky Harb

    (Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Pablo Sanchez No 6981, Entre Calles 1 y 2 de Irpavi, La Paz, Bolivia)

  • Carla Mendizábal Vergara

    (Independent Researcher, Santa Cruz, Bolivia)

Abstract

This study investigates Bolivians’ willingness to pay for an annual passport facilitating visits to protected areas (PAs) in Bolivia, aiming to address challenges in PA financing and management amidst escalating deforestation. Employing the contingent valuation method, a representative sample of citizens aged 18 or older from major cities across Bolivia participated in a telephone interviewing questionnaire. The findings reveal limited public awareness and recognition of PAs, alongside significant interest in visiting these areas for tourism purposes or simply donating to the system to reduce its current financial gaps. Concerns regarding trust and transparency in fund management are highlighted, with demographic factors and perceptions influencing willingness to pay estimated at approximately USD 35 for a one-year passport. This study underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance public awareness, improve infrastructure, and ensure transparency in fund management, thereby promoting sustainable tourism and safeguarding Bolivia’s PAs.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefanie Rakela & Thais Vilela & Sophia Espinoza & Alfonso Malky Harb & Carla Mendizábal Vergara, 2024. "Exploring Public Support for Bolivia’s Protected Areas: A Contingent Valuation Approach," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:6:p:868-:d:1415827
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vilela, Thais & Malky Harb, Alfonso & Mendizábal Vergara, Carla, 2022. "Chileans' willingness to pay for protected areas," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    2. Roberto Ponce & Felipe Vásquez, 2016. "Payment for Ecosystem Services in the Bolivian Subandean Humid Forest," Serie Working Papers 35, Universidad del Desarrollo, School of Business and Economics.
    3. Matus Kubak & Beata Gavurova & Klaudia Legutka, 2020. "Economic Value Estimation of the Natural Heritage of the Tatra National Park," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Peter A. Diamond & Jerry A. Hausman, 1994. "Contingent Valuation: Is Some Number Better than No Number?," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 8(4), pages 45-64, Fall.
    5. Shultz, Steven & Pinazzo, Jorge & Cifuentes, Miguel, 1998. "Opportunities and limitations of contingent valuation surveys to determine national park entrance fees: evidence from Costa Rica," Environment and Development Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(1), pages 131-149, February.
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