Analyzing the Economic Benefit of Woodland Caribou Conservation in Alberta

Abstract

This thesis seeks to measure the economic benefits of Woodland Caribou conservation in Alberta, Canada. Woodland Caribou are listed as threatened (Environment Canada 2008) both federally and provincially. Stated preference techniques were used to elicit the public’s willingness to pay for caribou conservation using the contingent valuation technique and a form of attribute based choice. Data were collected using a central facility method, audience response systems and the ballot box technique in various locations across Alberta. Conditional logit and random parameters logit models were estimated for both valuation formats individually as well as jointly. A range of benefit estimates were developed. These benefit data were then compared with cost data (Schneider et al. 2010) to examine the economically efficient level of caribou conservation. This study develops economic value measures in the context of both legislation and the comparison of valuation approaches.