Abstract

HARTLEY BALLESTERO, Marjorie  and  HARTLEY BALLESTERO, Rocío. Valuation of recreation and tourism ecosystem services: a mechanism for the sustainable development of the Grecia forest reserve in Costa Rica. Economía y Sociedad [online]. 2021, vol.26, n.59, pp.63-82. ISSN 2215-3403.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15359/eys.26-59.4.

This study is conducted as part of the project entitled “Ecosystem Services in the Hydrographic Basins of the Greater Metropolitan Area in Costa Rica”, which is mainly aimed at contributing with the conservation and preservation of the Bosque del Niño Sector. This forest is a remnant natural area of the Greater Metropolitan Area that has a great potential for tourism activities due to the natural characteristics of the region. In order to estimate the value, the Referendum Contingent Valuation Method was used, in which individuals express their willingness to pay by answering a binary (yes or no) question. The dependent variable in the referendum model is discrete; therefore, the regression analysis is performed using a logit model.

Participants gave present and future existence value to aspects such as biodiversity, pure air, and scenic beauty and also valued walks and wildlife watching. Knowing that these ecosystem services bring them joy, individuals are willing to pay for the conservation and preservation of the recreation site.

In this sense, local and regional authorities must incorporate in their development plans the interest of communities to preserve these types of places for current and future enjoyment. It is also important to improve the quality of these services, which are strongly related to tourism, one of the most important economic activities in the region.

Keywords : valuation method; referendum; willingness to pay..

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