Data for urban and rural preferences towards wetland conservation using subsidy reduction as payment vehicle

The preferences for wetland conservation among urban and rural dwellers in Malaysia estimated using a choice experiment. Wetland conservation alternatives were described in terms of environmental protection zones, biodiversity protection, recreational services and flood. Each alternative was connected to a cost for the household, which was a reduction in subsidies for daily goods. Using a latent class model, three groups were identified with distinctly different preferences. The results indicated potential conflicts over wetland conservation impacts and targets. Accordingly, the divide in preferences should be taken into account in policy-making, and the insights provided here may inform efforts to avoid conflict across the population