Valoración Económica de la belleza escénica del volcán Chimborazo, Ecuador

The Chimborazo volcano is the closest point to the sun and is recognized nationally and internationally. 90,000 people visit this tourist attraction annually, which is being threatened by the advance of theagricultural frontier, causing the loss of ecosystem services found in this ecosystem. This research estimated the willingness to pay (WTP) of the population of the city of Riobamba, for the conservation of the scenic beauty of the Chimborazo volcano. 406 surveys were applied, using the double-limit dichotomous contingent valuation method, using a maximum likelihood model in Stata software. Four models were developed: single limit, single limit with other explanatory variables, double limit and double limit with other explanatory variables, the latter being statistically more significant. As a result, it was determined that the DAP is USD 0.81 per month to preserve the scenic beauty of the Chimborazo volcano, a value that increases if the variable consumption of other products is included to reduce climate change by USD 0.19, the age, the monthly water payment and the level of education decrease the WTP by USD 0.02, USD 0.01, and 0.05 respectively.