Exploring Public Support for Bolivia’s Protected Areas: A Contingent Valuation Approach

Stefanie Rakela (), Thais Vilela, Sophia Espinoza, Alfonso Malky Harb and Carla Mendizábal Vergara
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Stefanie Rakela: Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Pablo Sanchez No 6981, Entre Calles 1 y 2 de Irpavi, La Paz, Bolivia
Thais Vilela: Conservation Strategy Fund, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Sophia Espinoza: Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Pablo Sanchez No 6981, Entre Calles 1 y 2 de Irpavi, La Paz, Bolivia
Alfonso Malky Harb: Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Pablo Sanchez No 6981, Entre Calles 1 y 2 de Irpavi, La Paz, Bolivia
Carla Mendizábal Vergara: Independent Researcher, Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: This study investigates Bolivians’ willingness to pay for an annual passport facilitating visits to protected areas (PAs) in Bolivia, aiming to address challenges in PA financing and management amidst escalating deforestation. Employing the contingent valuation method, a representative sample of citizens aged 18 or older from major cities across Bolivia participated in a telephone interviewing questionnaire. The findings reveal limited public awareness and recognition of PAs, alongside significant interest in visiting these areas for tourism purposes or simply donating to the system to reduce its current financial gaps. Concerns regarding trust and transparency in fund management are highlighted, with demographic factors and perceptions influencing willingness to pay estimated at approximately USD 35 for a one-year passport. This study underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance public awareness, improve infrastructure, and ensure transparency in fund management, thereby promoting sustainable tourism and safeguarding Bolivia’s PAs.

Keywords: Bolivia; protected areas; passport; contingent valuation; willingness to pay (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:6:p:868-:d:1415827

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