The Contingent Valuation Method in the Study of Ecosystem Services on the Example of the Urban Natural System of Lubartów

The living standards and quality in the city are determined mainly by the urban ecosystem. When the locals are more aware of the advantages provided by the services of this ecosystem, they have a positive approach to the presence of green areas in the city. The research of the economic values of ecosystem services is currently one of the strongest arguments in favour of protection and may turn out to be especially effective in support of sustainable urban development. This is the reason for initiation of research aimed at assessment of the values of the ecosystem services provided by specific elements of the urban ecosystem in Lubartów. The survey was conducted online in 2017. The monetary value of UNS was evaluated with the use of the contingent valuation method. For this purpose, the amount defined by the respondents in the survey which they were willing to pay (WTP) for the improvement of the quality of the environment and other advantages resulting from UNS, or for the sole certainty that a particular asset existed, or the amount of compensation (WTA) expected for the loss of that asset or limited access to it. The urban natural system of Lubartów (approx. 265 ha) was estimated by the residents at PLN 5,832,756 for WTP, and PLN 5,502,600 for WTA. Moreover, the respondents declared that annually they were willing to pay PLN 212 to ensure a non-degraded and correctly functioning natural environment or they were willing to accept a compensation of PLN 200 for its loss. The respondents considered the urban park to be of the greatest importance, but they earmarked the highest amount of money to the upkeep of home gardens and garden allotments.