Estimation of the WTP for Preserving Public Parks

Abstract

Public parks provide different benefits to the community such as: recreational benefits, economic benefits, environmental benefits, safety benefits and so on. Among them environmental benefits provided by public parks are stressed strongly, as parks significantly improve surrounding environment by contributing to the reduction of heat island phenomenon by increasing greenery, reducing air, water, and noise pollution, and helping in wildlife preservation. Also, recently the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport underscored the need for public park maintenance and development, by including it as one of the key agenda amongst thirteen targets set for future public works projects in Japan (NNS 2003). In this context, it is interesting to investigate the state and condition of public parks in Japan. In doing so, Nagasaki City is considered as a case study.