Economic assessment of the environmental services of Mount Tláloc, Texcoco, State of Mexico

Abstract

In the present research paper the economic value of the environmental services of Mount Tláloc, Texcoco, State of Mexico, which is part of the Izta-Popo-Zoquiapan National Park incorporated into the world network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2010 was assessed. Tláloc Mount is managed as a pure public good, thus generating mainly environmental problems such as: visitor overload, pollution due to excess waste, fire propensity and high erosion. With the aim of managing the natural resources of the reserve, conservation and recovery of Mount Tláloc, currently an entrance fee is charged to visitors, however, it is unknown if it is an optimal fee according to the willingness to pay (DAP) of the users. The Contingent Valuation (MVC) methodology was used to estimate the DAP of visitors, this method simulates a hypothetical market, through user surveys, in which they are asked for the maximum amount they are willing to pay for preservation of the aforementioned good, to this end 251 surveys were conducted to visitors to that place. Results show that users are worried about the current situation of the mountain and are willing to conserve the place. The information obtained resulted in a DAP of MX$ 9.00 on average. The variables that most explained the model were: education, concern for the environment, environmental perception and family income.