Evaluating the Economic Viability of Agro-Ecotourism as a Nature-Based Solution for a Climate Adaptation Strategy: A Case Study of Yuanshan Township, Taiwan

Wan-Jiun Chen, Jihn-Fa Jan, Chih-Hsin Chung and Shyue-Cherng Liaw ()
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Wan-Jiun Chen: Institute of Natural Resources Management, National Taipei University, No. 151, University Rd., Sanxia District, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan
Jihn-Fa Jan: Department of Land Economics, National Chengchi University, No. 64, Section 2, Zhinan Rd., Taipei 116, Taiwan
Chih-Hsin Chung: Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, National Ilan University, No. 1, Section 1, Shennong Rd., Yilan City 260, Taiwan
Shyue-Cherng Liaw: Department of Geography, National Taiwan Normal University, No. 162, Section 1, Heping East Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-17

Abstract: This study applied the contingent valuation method to evaluate the economic viability of climate adaptation policies in the climate-fragile Yuanshan Township (YST), Taiwan, focusing on the balance between forest conservation and local livelihoods. Traditional agriculture in YST is transitioning to agro-ecotourism, supported by leisure-oriented and hillside forest protection policies that attract visitors and cause the local economy to thrive. This research used non-market valuation methods to quantify the value of local recreational resources perceived by visitors at NTD 1002.00 per visitor. The findings indicate that visitors’ willingness to pay for these resources is significantly influenced by their intention to revisit YST, their trust in local conservation efforts, their gender, and their income. The value that visitors place on recreational resources and the aforementioned significant determinants of their willingness to pay highlight the economic potential of agro-ecotourism in supporting both environmental sustainability and community income. This study emphasizes that successful nature-based climate adaptation must consider the economic interests of resource users and local residents. Agro-ecotourism in YST is shown to be a viable policy for balancing forest conservation with societal benefits, providing a model for the sustainable management of local resources. The economic benefits from this transition underscore the feasibility of agricultural transformation for community income generation and climate resilience, demonstrating that environmental and economic goals can be mutually supportive in addressing climate change.

Keywords: climate change; adaptation; agro-ecotourism; recreational value; forest conservation; sustainable development; nature-based solutions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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