Incorporating Integrative Perspectives into Impact Reduction Management in a Reef Recreation Area

Abstract

The act of balancing two sustainability goals, the conservation of ecosystem services, and allowing access to reef recreational areas is a big challenge for the management of marine protected areas (MPAs). This study evaluates tourist preferences towards integrative aspects of an impact reduction program in a reef recreation area. We find that by integrating the marine police institution, providing educational training, setting up control of the number of divers, setting up control of the experience area, and taking boats to the snorkeling point are the key factors. We also identify the features that affect the heterogeneity of preferences with impact reduction management in the MPAs as follows: (1) monthly income; (2) type of tourist; and (3) joining conservation groups, and the integrated program generate the highest welfare value. These results can be applied to create a suitable management strategy for sustainable reef tourism that meets the needs of stakeholders.

Keywords

• ecosystem-based management
• reef conservation foundation
• market segmentation
• impact reduction program
• willingness to pay