Factors influencing community participation in mangroves restoration: A contingent valuation analysis

Community participation is viewed as a key to success in ecosystem restoration. This study analyzes factors that influence households' willingness to contribute toward mangrove restoration among three subsistence user groups in west coast of India: fishermen, fisherwomen and rice farmers. Contingent valuation technique is utilized to measure the economic value of perceived benefits of mangroves. Results indicate that each user group would be willing to make substantial contribution of labor and/or cash each year, apparently for different reasons. The perception that mangrove contributes to fish nursery is the strongest reason fishermen take part in restoration. That mangrove serves as an alternative source of income for the whole community influences fisherwomen's decision to participate. Surprisingly, only a minority of rice farmers would be willing to contribute to mangrove restoration, yet at a higher annual median level than the other two groups. Their reason to participate is influenced by the perception that mangroves help control erosion and crop pests. The paper concludes that the restoration manager must carefully consider users' needs and perceived mangrove benefits while selecting mangrove species for restoration in order to enhance community participation.