An Application of Dichotomous Induction Technology in WTP Estimate and Deviation Analysis for Coastal Resource Protection in the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Zone
Using dichotomous induction technology we estimated the willingness to pay(WTP) for ecological environmental protection or restoration in four coastal cities of the Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Zone. The influential factors of deviation in WTP choices were also analyzed. According to a questionnaire survey of 940 people we found that citizens' WTP in the four coastal cities is estimated at 204.13~450.17 CNY per person per year in the next five years to recover or protect the good ecological environment in local coastal areas,and the total economic value is 2.56~5.65×109CNY a year. The expected WTP value in a single boundary is higher than that in the multi-boundary;both are higher than the simple arithmetic mean value. Given that the latter excludes other variables,it is considered that it will reduce underestimate bias to arrive at the WTP expected value in both the single and multi-boundary as the intervals of WTP value. To avoid a framework anchoring effect error,the questionnaire is not designed as a single dichotomous questionnaire,but adds items of payment card bid value. The results show that highest bid value chosen by respondents is within the intervals of the presupposed bid value in dichotomous questions,which indicates that the presupposed value bid is reasonable without obvious framework anchoring effects. The respondents have high satisfaction regarding living conditions, environmental policy and economic income. Their willingness to pay is higher than those who have lower satisfaction and the reason may be because of protest bias.