The role the Great Barrier Reef plays in resident wellbeing and implications for its management

Larson, Silva, Stoeckl, Natalie, Farr, Marina, and Esparon, Michelle (2015) The role the Great Barrier Reef plays in resident wellbeing and implications for its management. Ambio, 44 (3). pp. 166-177.

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Abstract

Improvements in human wellbeing are dependent on improving ecosystems. Such considerations are particularly pertinent for regions of high ecological, but also social and cultural importance that are facing rapid change. One such region is the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Although the GBR has world heritage status for its 'outstanding universal value', little is known about resident perceptions of its values. We surveyed 1545 residents, finding that absence of visible rubbish; healthy reef fish, coral cover, and mangroves; and iconic marine species, are considered to be more important to quality of life than the jobs and incomes associated with industry (most respondents were dissatisfied with the benefits they received from industry). Highly educated females placed more importance on environmental non-use values than other respondents; less educated males and those employed in mining found non-market use-values relatively more important. Environmental non-use values emerged as the most important management priority for all.

Item ID: 35503
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1654-7209
Keywords: Australia; GBRWHA; IDS; perceptions; quality of life; values
Funders: National Environmental Research Program: Tropical Ecosystems Hub
Date Deposited: 05 Nov 2014 04:04
FoR Codes: 14 ECONOMICS > 1499 Other Economics > 149902 Ecological Economics @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960507 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Marine Environments @ 60%
96 ENVIRONMENT > 9606 Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation > 960601 Economic Incentives for Environmental Protection @ 40%
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