Economic valuation of protected areas: The case of lake Pamvotis

Lake Pamvotis (Ioannina-Greece) belongs to Natura 2000 network and is universally recognized, for its unique and valuable biodiversity that is protected by international and national policy frameworks. Despite its environmental importance and ecological value, the lake is under various anthropogenic pressures. The primary objective of this study is to estimate the residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) to contribute to the enhancement of the quality of the natural environment. A questionnaire survey is designed and distributed in order to collect sociodemographic data and residents’ environmental opinion about the area as well as their willingness to pay for its protection. Most respondents agree to pay an extra amount of money in their water bill to contribute to the proper protection of the lake. The unwillingness to pay is related to protest votes. Considering the environmental degradation of the lake, several actions are suggested