Economic Valuation of Environmental Resources in Hamoon International Wetland, Using the Choice Experiment Method

For implementing the conservation project of the wetlands in Iran, Hamoon wetland and its satellite wetlands were selected as one of the sample sites in partnership with UNDP. It aimed to reduce the major threats facing this wetland using a comprehensive management plan. This study examines and explores the citizens' preferences and willingness to pay in Sistan plain to improve the environmental characteristics of Hamoon wetland using the choice experiment method. Required data and information were achieved from the citizens of Sistan in 2013 and the mixed logit model was used for analyzing them. The results showed that the maximum willingness to pay belongs to improvement of water level of the current crisis to the desired level (26,000 Rials per year for each family). Achieving optimum water quality (straw rate), the number of ducks and Amur fish in the wetland (23,000, 14,670, and 11,300 Rials / year per family, respectively) are placed in the next rows of people’s willingness to pay.