In Search of Tiebout's "Vote with Their Feet" Mechanism in Bavaria

This paper analyzes the Bavarian population's demand for nature conservation. Drawing on the approach of revealed preferences, in particular Tiebout's (1956) "vote with their feet" mechanism, migration patterns in Bavarian counties are examined to assess the role of biodiversity in migration decisions. The results show a clear pattern of demand for natural amenities within the migration decision. However, other factors, for example, employment opportunities, should not be ignored as their importance may outweigh the desire for biodiversity.