ANNOUNCEMENTS
National parks, which serves as an example of green spaces, have proven highly effective in preventing environmental degradation while sustaining regional growth rates. Nevertheless, numerous local administrations and communities encounter alarming challenges concerning the establishment, maintenance, and protection of park amenities' quality.
It is essential to have a robust evaluation process for national park services to determine the benefits accruing to users in terms of both total and trip costs. These environments are now subject to assessment of their overall economic value through the application of the Travel Cost Method (TCM).
The TCM emphasizes on the fundamental purposes of national parks as seen from the viewpoint of visitors. The goal of the current study is to assess the recreational use value of Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha, India. A primary survey involving 184 respondents who visited the park was conducted. The estimated annual use value of Bhitarkanika National Park for an individual, based on the survey sample, was Rs 5,257.
Key Words: travel cost method, economic valuation, national park, recreational benefits.
