Value of the authenticity of the Curonian Spit: contingent valuation method

Abstract

Curonian Spit is a protected territory in Lithuania and is a part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage registry. Any alterations of the current situation might affect the social, economic and ecological aspects of the territory. One of the possible alterations in the Curonian Spit is the construction of a bridge to the authentic protected area. This option was rather widely discussed; therefore the aim of the research is to evaluate the economic value of authenticity for the Curonian Spit. Willingness to pay for the preservation of the current state of Curonian spit and travelers volumes were used for the assessment of the value of protected area. 217 respondents were surveyed in total. Research has revealed that during the period of the past three years, Curonian Split popularity was steadily increasing. 82% of respondents affirmed that it is the most prominent protected territory in Lithuania. 50% of respondents approved the construction of the bridge over Curonian Lagoon, 39% disapproved, and 11% remained undecided. The main argument for the construction of the bridge was easier accessibility (71%), while main argument against the construction was the loss of authenticity/attractiveness (49%). On average respondents are willing to pay €12.92 for the preservation of the authenticity, while others would like to receive an average of €18.21 compensation for the loss of it. Visitors, who visited Curonian Spit more frequently were against the bridge construction (x²=14.88, p<0.05) and were willing to pay for the preservation of the authenticity more often than others (x²=11.74, p<0.05) Estimated Curonian Spit value during 2012-2014 averaged €4.5 million annually.