Integrating landscape improvement indices and discrete choice experiments: evidence from the Rural Environment Protection Scheme in Ireland

This paper reports findings from two discrete choice experiments that were carried out to value landscape improvement measures within the Rural Environment Protection (REP) Scheme in Ireland. Using a mixed logit specification willingness to pay (WTP) distributions based on the parameter estimates obtained from the individual conditional distributions are derived. These estimates are subsequently adjusted using landscape improvement indices to reflect landscape improvements actually arising from the REP Scheme. Individual-specific WTP estimates are contrasted with the cost of the REP Scheme. Results indicate that the REP Scheme contributes substantial benefits to rural landscapes.