Evidence for Mangrove Restoration in the Mahakam Delta, Indonesia, Based on Households’ Willingness to Pay

Mangroves provide multiple benefits for local communities’ livelihoods. However, in the Mahakam delta mangroves have declined considerably. This study examines the factors affecting households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for mangrove restoration in three villages in the Mahakam delta and determines whether a mangrove restoration project would be viable and should be implemented in the study area or not. The contingent valuation method was applied through a double-bound dichotomous choice format to estimate the WTP for mangrove restoration. The results showed that over 80% of perception of respondents considered the benefits of mangroves were essential that associated with their livelihoods. Local residents tended to be willing to pay more for mangrove restoration when they acknowledged the benefits of mangroves and when they felt that the sustainability of mangrove ecosystems was their responsibility. The benefits transfer method was also used to estimate the costs and benefits of an ongoing mangrove restoration project in the study area. The benefits provided by mangroves, as estimated based on households’ WTP, clearly outweighed the costs for the mangrove restoration project. We conclude that mangrove restoration should be implemented in the study area by increasing local communities’ awareness and responsibility to protect and manage the mangrove a sustainable.