Local Communities Willingness to Pay for Conservation of Ecotourism Resources at Gelam Forest, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Gelam Forest significantly has a unique biodiversity composition that is not found in other areas. This unique biodiversity has high potential for ecotourism that has yet to be explored and promoted in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to estimate the economic value of Gelam (Mellaleuca spp.) forest for being developed as one of the potential ecotourism attractions in Kelantan. The primary data were collected through face to face surveys with the local community in districts of Bachok. A total of 200 respondents were participated in this study which consists of nearby locals that have different demographics. Contingent valuation method (CVM) was applied in this study to determine the local community's willingness to pay for ecotourism resources conservation at Gelam Forest. The result from logit regression indicates that the bid amount (price), income and education of respondents were significant predictors that influenced the level of willingness to pay for ecotourism resources conservation of Gelam Forest nearby to Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok Campus. The estimated mean for public's willingness to pay is found to be RM 4.20 per head per year. It was concluded that Gelam Forest conservation initiatives were feasible for ecotourism development in future. The financial resources obtained from the amount of WTP might be used for conservation and as a fund for maintenances purposed.