Economic evaluation of ecotourism: evidence from forests resorts of Murree hills of Pakistan
Economic evaluation of ecotourism: evidence from forests resorts of Murree hills of Pakistan
Rukhsana Kausar1, Mamoona Wali Muhammad2 and Mian Muhammad Shafiq3
ABSTRACT
Pakistan has only 4.8% area covered under forests. The major part of it lies in Northern areas of Pakistan that is reserved for protective services like watershed management, soil protection etc. and most of the Blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) and Chir pine (Pinus roxberghii) lies in Himalayan foot hills. Murree is the most popular hill station lying in foot hills of Himalaya. It is the most popular picnic resort. But other land uses are always threat to remove forests and make commercial areas and housing societies. To prevent land use conflict and to convince planners and policy makers it is important to evaluate non-tangible benefits (Ecotourism) of forests. Ecotourism is the travel to enjoy the world's amazing diversity of natural life and human culture without causing damage to either (Naeem et al., 2014). It is important to aware communities and public at large about conservation of natural resources by maintaining its forests and making ecotourism spots. In this study the recreational value of Ecotourism, was assessed by using the Individual Travel Cost Method. For this purpose the consumer surplus (in forest resorts) was calculated, that proved to be Rs.577 PKR (6.6 $) per visitor per visit and recreational value of an individual per visit is Rs.16496 PKR (183.29). Average 1.5 to 1.6 millions people visit Murree recreational resort per year so the total benefit of the recreational spot and total recreational value of the Blue Pine and Chir Pine forests is 24745 million rupees (275 million $) per annum. This high intangible monetary value reflects the immense importance of Murree forest resort which needs to be considered for proper protection and conservation of this natural resource.
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June 2013
Vol. 63, Iss. 2
