Valuing recreational ecosystem services: a case study for Sal (Shorea robusta) forests

This study estimates the recreational value of the Sal (Shorea robusta) forests ecosystem services, focusing on Bhawal National Park in Bangladesh. We employ the contingent valuation method (CVM) to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for a safer and improved nature-based recreational area. A sample of 418 visitors was randomly selected and surveyed during peak and off-peak tourism seasons. A probit regression model was used to estimate the inverse relationship between visit likelihood and potential entrance prices. Subsequently, the double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) CVM was applied to estimate the WTP. The estimated average WTP was Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 188.99 (USD [U.S. dollar] 1.72), at least nine times higher than the current fees. Visitors are willing to pay ∼91% more for entrance fees during peak seasons than off-peak seasons. As a foundational study in valuing the Sal forest, this study is crucial for informing ecotourism management policies to sustain this ecosystem's health and recreational value.