Attitudes Toward Paying for Recreation in Urban Forests: A Comparison Between Warsaw and Lisbon’s Young Populations

Urban forests are essential recreational spaces that enhance cultural heritage, foster social integration, and provide economic benefits through local tourism. Their significance for recreation has grown due to increased leisure time, better access to information, and heightened concerns about mental and physical well-being. This study seeks to evaluate social preferences for funding recreational activities in urban forests in Warsaw and Lisbon, focusing on their appearance and societal significance. Utilizing the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the research assessed individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP) for recreational access. Advanced techniques such as logistic regression and discriminant analysis were employed to identify the factors influencing WTP in Poland and Portugal. In Poland, WTP is primarily affected by preferences related to the appearance of forests, particularly the distinction between natural forests and those equipped with more infrastructure. In contrast, in Portugal, WTP tends to decrease with a greater appreciation for natural forests and a belief in the necessity of investing in urban forestry. The findings indicate that various social factors, such as the appearance of forests and perceived maintenance requirements, influence people’s willingness to fund urban forests. However, conducting research with only younger respondents limits the ability to generalize these findings to older populations.