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Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2006 | Volume: 9 | Issue: 12 | Page No.: 2198-2206
DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2006.2198.2206
Estimating the Recreational Benefits of Dibeen National Park in Jordan Using Contingent Valuation and Travel Cost Methods
Amer S. Jabarin and Said A. Damhoureyeh

Abstract: The objective of the study is to examine the recreational pattern of Dibeen National Park (DNP) in Jerash, Jordan and to estimate the use value that would be used to demonstrate the potential magnitude of this environmental amenity that cannot be ignored in policy making in Jordan. Two non-market evaluation techniques namely the contingent valuation method and travel cost model are used to estimate the economic value that Jordanians, place on improving DNP. A survey of 300 questionnaires was used to elicit the recreational value of DNP. Several models have been developed using the Travel Cost Method (TCM) and the open-ended contingent valuation method (OEWTP). Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate the travel cost model while the Tobit regression analysis was used to estimate the willingness to pay models. Using the TCM estimates, the average value of recreation in DNP is JD 71.55 (US$ 100) per person per recreation day. The mean of willingness to pay for conserving and improving the services on DNP from the OEWTP approach was JD 5.53 (US$ 7.8). The value of DNP to its users is can be estimated at approximately JD 13.6 million (US$ 19.2 million) a year using the TCM. This figure would vary from year to year depending on number of visitors. These findings suggest that the recreation values should be integrated in multiple use decision making process. According to the recently launched biodiversity strategy and action plan, the Government of Jordan is intending to implement a conservation projects in Dibeen and Ajloun regions, the two most important forest in Jordan. The results of this study could be used by researchers and policy analysts at the Ministry of Environment to justify the implementation of conservation of the two forests. Nevertheless, public goods should be managed to maximize the public benefits and recreation is indeed a public benefit of the forest resource.

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How to cite this article
Amer S. Jabarin and Said A. Damhoureyeh, 2006. Estimating the Recreational Benefits of Dibeen National Park in Jordan Using Contingent Valuation and Travel Cost Methods. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 9: 2198-2206.

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