Willingness to pay for mangrove preservation in Xuan Thuy National Park, Vietnam: Do stakeholders' knowledge and interest play a role?
Vo Hung  1@  , Michel Simioni  2@  , Nguyen Viet  3, *@  
1 : Marchés, Organisations, Institutions et Stratégies dÁcteurs  (UMR MOISA)  -  Website
Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement : UMR99-2007, Centre international d'études supérieures en sciences agronomiques : UMR_A 1110, Institut national de la recherche agronomique [Montpellier] : UMR1110, Centre International des Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes, Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier
2 Place Pierre Viala 34 060 Montpellier Cedex 1 -  France
2 : Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Montpellier  -  Website
INRA, UMR 1110 MOISA 2, place Viala 34060 Montpellier, France -  Polynésie française
3 : Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment  (HUNRE)  -  Website
No 41 A Phu Dien Road, Phu Dien precinct, North-Tu Liem district, Hanoi -  Vietnam
* : Corresponding author

Xuan Thuy National Park, a special nature reserve with mangrove swamps located in the Red River Delta in North Vietnam, plays an important role in combating coastal erosion and provides a habitat for many endangered bird species. Nevertheless, this wetland faces a dual threat from human development pressures and from natural hazards. This study applied double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method to directly estimate how much locals are willing to pay for mangrove conservation at Xuan Thuy National Park in the context of climate change. In particular, the technique was used to provide better assess to the non-use value of biodiversity and ecosystem support of mangroves. Survey respondents from 350 households in the buffer zone were presented with a hypothetical scenario describing a policy that quantifies the environmental change to be achieved by 2030, and specifying a lump sum payment. Non-parametric estimate of mean WTP was found at 511,090 VND per household (22.03 USD) whereas parametric estimate of mean WTP derived from the log-logistic specification was found at 619,908 VND (26.73 USD) per household. Awareness of mangrove benefit and interest in conservation activities have a positive impact on WTP responses, in addition to income. The findings will help policymakers adopt sound environmental policies and advise locals on the importance of protecting the mangroves which in turn protect their livelihoods.


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