The evaluation of the consumer benefit from forest public goods

Abstract

Valuation techniques, peculiarities, advantages and limitations of the consumer benefit from forest public goods are analysed in the paper. It was defined that methods used for this purpose are attributed to stated, revealed preference and benefits transfer methods. The benefit of forest public goods provided for the inhabitants of Kaunas district as well as their willingness to pay for forest public goods was analysed using empirical investigation when applying contingent valuation method. After the fulfilment of the questionnaire it was defined that air quality improvement and forest aesthetical value are the most important forest functions for inhabitants. Indirect use and bequest values of public goods provided by forest are important to inhabitants. However, existence and option values are not significant. It was defined that inhabitants are unwilling to pay for forest public goods.