Environmental valuation of permanent preservation areas in São Bartolomeu watershed, Viçosa, Minas Gerais

Abstract

The objective of this work was to estimate an economic value for the Permanent Preservation Areas in São Bartolomeu watershed, located in Viçosa, MG. The Contingent Valuation Method was used to estimate the true willingness-to-pay (WTP) of the city of Viçosa residents for the restoration or preservation of these areas. The monthly true WTP was estimated at R$27.98 per residence, which results in an approximated total value of R$3.863.926.08 or R$3.616.52/ha.year for the restoration or preservation of the areas.

Contingent valuation; areas of permanent preservation; willingness-to-pay