Paying for Nature-based Solutions: Do Valencians prefer voluntary or mandatory contributions for forest restoration in Spain?

Sameh Missaoui, Zein Kallas, Antonio del Campo and Javier Pérez

Economia Agraria y Recursos Naturales, 2026, vol. 26, issue 01

Abstract: [EN] The Mediterranean Forest faces increasing pressures from climate change, including wildfires, land abandonment, and biodiversity loss. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are sustainable strategies that address these challenges. This study examines how voluntary and mandatory payment mechanisms affect citizens’ willingness to pay (WTP) for forest restoration through NbS in Valencia, Spain. A discrete-choice experiment evaluated 603 respondents’ preferences for ecosystem services’ improvement. Results show stronger support for voluntary payments (WTP values of €58.96 for moderate improvements and €113.07 for substantial ones) compared to mandatory payments (€32.48 and €71.97). These findings provide insights for designing socially acceptable and effective forest restoration policies. [ES] El bosque mediterráneo enfrenta presiones del cambio climático, incendios forestales, abandono del territorio y pérdida de biodiversidad. Las Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza (SbN) son estrategias sostenibles que abordan desafíos. Este estudio examina mecanismos de pago voluntarios y obligatorios afectan la disposición a pagar (DAP) por la restauración forestal mediante SbN en Valencia, España. Un experimento de elección discreta evaluó preferencias de 603 participantes mejora de servicios ecosistémicos. Resultados muestran apoyo a pagos voluntarios (58,96 € y 113,07 €) frente a obligatorios (32,48 € y 71,97 €). Estos hallazgos aportan información para políticas de restauración forestal eficaces y socialmente aceptadas.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:earnsa:404223

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.404223

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