Abstract
This paper estimates the benefits of pastureland conservation in Mongolia using the contingent valuation method. Herders' willingness to pay (WTP) to improve water supply to expand usable pastureland areas is measured. Mongolia has experienced pastureland degradation because of livestock density near the wells; the decrease in the number of wells encourages herders to concentrate on the remaining wells. Their WTP per year for one additional hand-dug well is investigated and the effect compared with the current situation with available wells. The results show that installing wells for conserving pastureland can be a promising approach to combating desertification
