Integration of preference heterogeneity into sustainable nature conservation: From practice to policy

The aim of this work is to assess and understand the social drivers that determine the willingness to pay for sustainable management measures to preserve a Natura 2000 area. These social drivers of the support for nature conservation were then included in the design of economic instrument to support nature conservation. In a contingent valuation exercise, the local population in the Cabezo de la Jara and Rambla de Nogalte protected areas (SE Spain) stated their willingness to pay for sustainable management measures aimed at their conservation. Among the socio-demographics, environmental attitudes and experiential drivers, income and environmental commitment were found to be the only significant drivers in support of nature conservation, revealing preference heterogeneity. Economic instruments, specifically green taxes and user fees, are proposed, taking into account the sources of heterogeneity in order to ensure financial support for the measures and greater social acceptability. Hence, our research adds to the existing literature through the design of an economic instrument to support nature conservation, considering preference heterogeneity.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess and understand the social drivers that influence people's willingness to pay for sustainable management measures in order to preserve Natura 2000 areas. Income and environmental commitment were identified as the main drivers in support of nature conservation, and economic instruments such as green taxes and user fees were proposed to ensure financial support for conservation measures. The research contributes to the existing literature by designing an economic instrument that considers preference heterogeneity in supporting nature conservation.