Khuanchanok Quecharoen. Valuation of wetlands : case study Phru Kan Tulee Tha Chana distric Surat Thani province. Master's Degree(Technology of Environmental Management ). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2008.
Valuation of wetlands : case study Phru Kan Tulee Tha Chana distric Surat Thani province
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to estimate direct use value of Phru Kan tulee by
local people (56 households) by market approach, and the non-use value of Phru Kan
tulee focusing on biodiversity existence by contingent valuation method (CVM) with
double bound referendum format to elicit willingness to pay of samples of non-users
in Southern region (300 samples). The factors influencing willingness to pay for
biodiversity of Phru Kan tulee were also analyzed.
The results of the study showed that the direct use of biodiversity of Phru Kan
tulee were wildlife hunting, fisheries, plant harvesting and water for agricultural and
household use. Water usage was ranked the highest while the next highest usage was
wildlife hunting. The direct use value of Phru Kan tulee was 2,168,775.75 baht per
year. Concerning the non-use value, the mean of willingness to pay for biodiversity in
Phru Kan tulee existence was 29.37 baht per household per year and the biodiversity
existence value of Phru Kan tulee was estimated to be 70,042,751 baht per year. The
factors influencing willingness to pay at 95 percent confident level were income, age,
education background, occupation, source of information and environmental awareness
of the respondent. The source of information most samples received was friend/
relation and member in family and most of sample agreed with biodiversity protection
and conservation in Phru Kan tulee. The most common reason for paying for
biodiversity in Phru Kan tulee existence was the desire to protect biodiversity for
future generations. The main reason of the respondent for not paying for biodiversity
in Phru Kan tulee existence was they viewed the biodiversity conservation as the Thai
governments responsibility.