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Clarifying public willingness to pay (WTP) for farmland non‐point source pollution (FNSP) governance helps to establish an ecological compensation mechanism with public participation. This will reduce China's agricultural pollution and its environmental and food safety consequences while promoting sustainable development. Nevertheless, research has yet to reveal the public WTP within China's FNSP governance policy framework. To this end, a "2030‐oriented FNSP governance program" choice experiment with specific FNSP governance measures (fertilizer reduction, pesticide reduction, straw resource utilization, and mulch film recycling) was conducted in Gansu Province to reveal the public WTP for FNSP governance and its key influencing factors. Results from mixed logit models show that urban residents' marginal WTP (MWTP) for improving the FNSP status quo and different measures for fertilizer reduction, pesticide reduction, straw resource utilization, and mulch film recycling is ¥151.62, ¥1.33, ¥7.3, ¥4.85, and ¥3.16 annually, respectively, indicating the highest preference for reducing pesticides because of food safety problems. Meanwhile, the average individual WTP for optimal FNSP governance schemes is ¥513.02 annually, accounting for only 3.86‰ of annual household income; the regional aggregate social welfare of optimal FNSP governance is as high as ¥2038.23 million, accounting for 2.81% of GDP in 2020. This means that FNSP governance can bring substantial social welfare with a low household economic burden. In addition, the perception that food safety has improved in the past 5 years or an awareness of food safety incidents can enhance the willingness of urban residents to change the status quo of FNSP: the more serious the respondents perceive food safety problems to be, the stronger the above effects, indicating the critical impact of food safety factors on the public's WTP for FNSP governance. The study's findings highlight the potential to find socially acceptable ways to promote FNSP governance as well as provide insight into the relevant policymaking process from the standpoint of public participation and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applies a choice experiment to evaluate the value of ecological water and investigate public preferences in the Shiyang River Basin, which is an ecologically fragile region in China. The four ecological attributes were ecological water quantity in the upper sub‐basin, ecological water quantity in the middle sub‐basin, ecological water quantity in the lower sub‐basin, water quality in Hongyashan Reservoir. The results show that water quality was the most preferred attribute among all the chosen attributes, and public prefer the increase of the ecological water quantity in the lower sub‐basin. In addition, it was concluded that increases of 40 million m3 and 60 million m3 of the ecological water quantity in the middle and lower sub‐basins, respectively, with the ecological water quality improved from Class IV to III, would be worth 2.82 billion RMB. The research findings are expected to support strategies for regional water resources allocation as well as help to understand public support for the policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract The concept of ecosystem services provides a valuable approach for linking humans and nature and for supporting the protection of natural ecosystems. River water services, which influence public health and daily routines, have both social and ecological benefits to a surrounding area. However, river networks and their services have suffered extensive destruction due to urbanization and industrialization, especially in China. An assessment of river system benefits and recognition of public preferences are crucial for sustainable river management and effective river system restoration. The objective of this study was to assess a household's willingness to pay using a choice experiment (CE) with mixed logit and multinomial logit models. This technique was applied to evaluate a respondent's preferences regarding water service attributes such as upper basin, middle basin and lower basin ecological water distribution; water quality; and payment and the possible source of heterogeneity in these attributes. The estimated likelihood ratio test demonstrated that random parameter logit model (RPL) models had considerably more explanatory power than multinomial logit (MNL) models. It was also revealed that the RPL-II model was the most powerful among all the models, demonstrating the capability of that model to predict the choices of the respondents. Furthermore, the findings show that water quality was the most preferred river attribute, and households were willing to pay more for the water quality attribute that derives the highest marginal value. Household income level, residential location, education level, and sex were the main factors influencing willingness to pay. These assessments provide guidance, policy recommendations and a reference for researchers and policy makers to improve and enhance current river water services in the future. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Preference heterogeneity exists among respondents living in different localities of the basin. • Water quality is the most preferred attribute that derives the highest marginal value. • Human activities are the major drivers that destroy ecosystem services. • RPL models had considerably more explanatory power than MNL models. • Residential location, income and education significantly influence household WTP for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public preferences for mulch film pollution control compensation policies are important for appropriate policymaking; however, current research on compensation mode corresponding to public preferences remains inadequate. Based on survey data from Northwest China, a choice experiment was used to examine farmers' preferences for mulch film pollution control compensation policies. As mulch film pollution control is labor intensive, the way in which socioeconomic and labor force characteristics predict preferences was also explored. Mixed logit modeling showed that, based on farmers' preferences, the current compensation mode is suboptimal. Farmers prefer manual or mechanical mulch-picking and door-to-door or field residual mulch film recycling services and cash compensation. Farmers' preferences show considerable heterogeneity. Average implicit prices are significantly influenced by household income, mulching area, gender, aging, share of employment outside the township, and off-farm income share. The findings highlight the potential to identify socially acceptable ways to optimize mulch film pollution control compensation policies. • Existing mulch film pollution control compensation methods have limited incentive effects on farmers. • Choice experiments were used to reveal public preferences for mulch film pollution control compensation policies. • Farmers prefer compensation methods for mulch film picking and residual film recycling services. • Labor force and socioeconomic characteristics influence public preferences for compensation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Grassland ecosystem restoration have substantial ecological benefits. • Majority of the herdsmen preferred the improvement of grassland ecological attributes. • Heterogeneity of herdsmen's preference exists for the grassland ecosystem services. • Three potential segments of the herdsmen with different preferences are highlighted based on latent class model. • The herdsmen's social, economic and environmental attitudes have significant impacts on their preferences. The evaluation of grassland ecosystem restoration benefit considering herdsmen's preference is an important reference for the formulation of grassland protection policy. This study aims to evaluate the marginal benefits of grassland ecosystem services by using choice experiment and mixed logit (ML) model, and a latent class model (LCM) is estimated to identify and explain the heterogeneity of herdsmen's preference for the various functions of the grassland ecosystem, so as to estimate the benefits of grassland ecosystem restoration in Siziwang Banner and Damao Banner of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The results reveal that the restoration benefit of the grassland ecosystem in the two banners is nearly 341.1 million RMB per year. The application of latent class model highlights three potential segments of the herdsmen with different preferences. The social, economic and environmental attitudinal characteristics of herdsmen have significant impacts on their preferences. Thus, to improve the universality of grassland ecological restoration policy, herdsmen's preferences should be thoroughly investigated before policy formulation and implementation. Meanwhile, it is important to publicize the grassland ecosystem services, to popularize the role of wildlife in the ecosystem, and to realize the benign interaction between wildlife protection and animal husbandry development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural non-point source pollution (ANSP) has become one of the main sources of pollution in water source areas. An effective solution to this problem is the use of ecological compensation to encourage rural households to adopt agricultural pollution control measures. This study aims to answer two questions: How much compensation should be given to encourage rural households in water source areas to participate in ANSP control? What factors will influence their participation? In this study, paddy rice planting in water source area has been used as an example aiming to answer these questions. This study used the random parameter logit (RPL) model with survey data from 632 rural households in the Qinba water source area to empirically analyze rural households' willingness to accept compensation for ANSP control and the influencing factors of this willingness. From this information, the compensation standards for ANSP control in a water source area were calculated. The results show that (1) compensation had a significant incentive effect on rural households' willingness to control ANSP. The marginal compensation standard for reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticide was $3.40/ha and $2.00/ha, respectively. The compensation standard for not applying chemical fertilizer and pesticide at all was $540.23/ha. (2) There was heterogeneity in rural households' preference for ANSP control compensation policies. Rural households characterized by younger residents, higher family income, higher perception of the ecological benefits, and higher perception of government policy were more willing to participate in the compensation policy. It is suggested that rural households showed a strong preference for ANSP control policies by considering both of their economic losses and ecological benefits. Our study contributes to the literature by enriching the evaluation method in providing references for the compensation of ANSP control policies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Variation in willingness to pay for ecosystem services throughout the basin. • Water quality most valuable attribute for ecosystem services. • Spatial heterogeneity among people with higher WTP for agricultural production quality and lowest for oasis. • Complex pattern of heterogeneity among various groups. • Group III shows higher willingness to pay for enhanced ecosystem services. The importance of understanding people's preferences and the well-being of river systems cannot be overstated when it comes to the effective restoration and long-term management of these systems. This study aimed to determine the preferences of people in the Hei River Basin of China regarding the conservation, restoration, and development of ecological systems and their associated services. The research utilized a combination of random parameter logit models for distance decay. The study collected data using a choice experiment method and separated the study area into three distance-based groups: group I (within 25 km), group II (25 to 50 km), and group III (beyond 50 km). The findings showed that there was spatial heterogeneity among the people, with a higher willingness to pay for high-quality agricultural production and the lowest willingness to pay for oasis. The results revealed a complex pattern of spatial heterogeneity and indicated the need for increased awareness programs, environmental education, and the promotion of social responsibility towards environmental protection. It is essential to implement environmental policies, restore properties, and preserve ecological systems to achieve sustainable development and a sustainable environment. The findings highlight the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity and the need for increased environmental awareness, education, and policy implementation. This research can contribute to developing effective strategies for the preservation of river systems and ensuring sustainable development and a sustainable environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognition of public preferences and the assessment of the river basin are valuable for efficient river basin management, and improvement in ecological attributes of river basin can provide considerable non-market benefits. Accordingly, the current study examines the heterogeneity in preferences and ranking of river ecosystem services amongst residents on the basis of their willingness to pay (WTP) to enhance these services. Given the different environmental and economic conditions of urban and rural residents in China, their views on ecological restoration differ. Various Likert scales were used to explore residents' perceptions and ranking of ecological attributes. Findings revealed that urban and rural residents care about water for their daily life, with the mean value of 2.08 and 2.10 and the lowest standard deviation of 1.63 and 1.59, respectively where the range of scale is '1 is the most important and 7 is the least important'. Agricultural and industrial water, weather management in Yangsha Lake, vegetation restoration, biodiversity conservation and downstream ecological protection were the next most imperative ecological attributes. Moreover, the results from random parameter logit (RPL) models show that river water quality has the highest marginal utility value, whereas recreational conditions have the lowest marginal utility value in all respondents' models. A considerable difference exists amongst urban and rural residents' WTP for improvements in ecological amenities. Amongst all households, lower basin residents prefer and value ecological attributes and are ready to pay whatever cost for restoration. Generally, urban residents have high implicit prices for most of river ecosystem attributes. Findings reveal that the policymakers should consider the existing preference heterogeneity when designing ecosystem payment plans and allocating resources. Unlabelled Image • Urban residents have higher MWTP for most of the river attributes. • River water quality has the highest marginal utility values. • Recreational conditions are the least preferred ecological attribute. • The residents of the lower basin are more concerned about ecological improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valuation of environmental goods and services offers valuable information for environmental management, where there exists heterogeneity in household's taste and preferences. The current study evaluated the willingness to pay for ecosystem services with regard to assess benefit transfer among sub-basins of Wei River. In order to achieve an improved environmental status in Wei River basin, a choice experiment survey was conducted with the perception regarding valuation of ecosystem services in the upper, middle and lower basin. A total of 900 households sampled respondents were interviewed in the entire river basin. Seven ecological attributes were selected in an arrangement with improvements in ecological conditions in choice a set. Welfare estimates were measured through conditional logit (CL) and random parameter logit (RPL) models. Outcomes of our study validated the diversity in the public preferences regarding valuation of selected ecological attributes in all three basins. Like, water quality level was relatively highly valued (i.e. 109.3 Yuan) by those who live in lower basin followed by inhabitants of middle basin (81.57 Yuan). With the addition of heterogeneity in tastes and preferences, relatively lower transfer errors were estimated in RPL model as compared to CL model. While transferring benefits from lower to upper basin, the estimated transfer errors were 35.37% and 7.06% of transfer errors were estimated from upper to middle basin and 19.30% were estimated from middle to lower basin in RPL model. While for the same conditions, the estimated transfer errors in CL model were 44.49%, 9.49% and 29.37% respectively. In the light of current outcomes, there are sufficient evidences to claim for transferability of benefits between upper, middle and lower basins. The conclusive empirical outcomes of the current study thus help in proper management of ecosystem services and allow for benefit transfer from one basin to the other basins of Wei River. Image 1 • Heterogeneity exists in the willingness to pay for ecosystem services across basins. • With the inclusion of taste heterogeneity Random parameter logit model resulted in lower transfer errors. • Random parameter logit model's mean transfer errors ranges from 7.06% to 35.37%. • Conditional logit estimates predicted for relatively higher transfer errors. • Mean transfer error ranges from 9.49% to 44.49% in Conditional logit model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of public preferences and the welfares of river system evaluation are consequential for effective renovation of river system as well as viable river management. For this reason, the focus of current study was emphasized on respondent's willingness to pay through implementation of Random Parameter Logit model using data collected through choice experiment technique, in which the preferences of sampled respondent's in urban, rural and pooled data was evaluated for different abiotic and biotic ecosystem services across the entire Heihe River Basin. The estimated results revealed that average urban households are willing to pay more for the restoration of ecosystem services compared to rural residents. In abiotic ecosystem services, the maximum willingness to pay in all three geographical splitted regions was recorded for river water quality, while lowest was recorded for Lake Area in urban and pooled data and for Leisure and entertainment in rural area. Similarly, for biotic ecosystem services, the maximum willingness to pay was recorded for Greenhouse gases effect in urban and for Agricultural product quality in rural and pooled data while lowest was recorded for Oasis in all three regions. The study also recommends that the government of China should act appropriately to make improvements in level of water quality and restoration of ecosystem services. Similarly, water should be made available to the consumers in its best possible state. Furthermore, in case of any disorder in water quality in some regions, inhabitants need to be informed on time. Moreover, to fulfil the requirements for water, water programs and policies should be planned on the basis of demand. While making any policy there should be diverse actions, keeping in view the residents of urban and rural areas as the results approved the heterogeneity in their preferences. Unlabelled Image • Heterogeneity in willingness to pay was projected across entire basin • Urban households are willing to pay more for improvements in ecosystem services • Water quality is the most valuable ecological attribute in abiotic ecosystem services across sub-regions • Quality of agricultural products is highly valued in biotic ecosystem services • Highest willingness to pay for water quality prioritize its provision to consumers in the best possible form [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]