TY - JOUR
T1 - Recreational value of different coral reefs richness levels in Oman
AU - Al Ismaili, Sabrina
AU - Al Abri, Ibtisam
AU - Gulseven, Osman
AU - Al-Masroori, Hussein
AU - Dutta, Sachinandan
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2024/6
Y1 - 2024/6
N2 - Coral reefs in Oman boast remarkable biodiversity and distinct features, yet their economic contribution remains largely unexplored, making this topic seriously under-researched. This study addresses this gap by aiming to estimate the recreational value of ecosystem services offered by natural and artificial coral reefs along Oman's coastline, a valuable asset that falls under the category of public goods that has never been assessed. Moreover, the study delves into the impact of varying reef richness levels, indicating biodiversity levels, on overall recreational value in this seldom-studied region with significant coral reef resources. Notably, this research marks the first attempt in the literature to examine the influence of different richness levels of reefs on recreational value. A survey was conducted to evaluate the recreational value of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs using Travel Cost Method. Coral reefs are found to provide an annual consumer surplus of 187,763 OMR (about 487,727 USD), emphasizing their substantial economic value. Greater biodiversity within a reef corresponds to a higher preference among recreationists, leading to increased economic benefits and enhanced consumers satisfaction. The substantial increase in recreational demand at sites with high reef richness levels underscores the importance of these ecosystems not just for their intrinsic natural value but also for their contribution to the tourism sector. It is essential for decision-makers to focus on the preservation of existing coral reefs as a primary concern, prior to contemplating the creation of additional reefs to enhance marine tourism. Managerial implications: • Coral reefs not only draw more recreationists but also significantly enhance consumer surplus and satisfaction • The richer the biodiversity of a reef, the more it is preferred, deriving greater economic value and consumer satisfaction • Oman's coral reefs provide a consumer surplus of 187,762.955 OMR (487,726.84
AB - Coral reefs in Oman boast remarkable biodiversity and distinct features, yet their economic contribution remains largely unexplored, making this topic seriously under-researched. This study addresses this gap by aiming to estimate the recreational value of ecosystem services offered by natural and artificial coral reefs along Oman's coastline, a valuable asset that falls under the category of public goods that has never been assessed. Moreover, the study delves into the impact of varying reef richness levels, indicating biodiversity levels, on overall recreational value in this seldom-studied region with significant coral reef resources. Notably, this research marks the first attempt in the literature to examine the influence of different richness levels of reefs on recreational value. A survey was conducted to evaluate the recreational value of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs using Travel Cost Method. Coral reefs are found to provide an annual consumer surplus of 187,763 OMR (about 487,727 USD), emphasizing their substantial economic value. Greater biodiversity within a reef corresponds to a higher preference among recreationists, leading to increased economic benefits and enhanced consumers satisfaction. The substantial increase in recreational demand at sites with high reef richness levels underscores the importance of these ecosystems not just for their intrinsic natural value but also for their contribution to the tourism sector. It is essential for decision-makers to focus on the preservation of existing coral reefs as a primary concern, prior to contemplating the creation of additional reefs to enhance marine tourism. Managerial implications: • Coral reefs not only draw more recreationists but also significantly enhance consumer surplus and satisfaction • The richer the biodiversity of a reef, the more it is preferred, deriving greater economic value and consumer satisfaction • Oman's coral reefs provide a consumer surplus of 187,762.955 OMR (487,726.84
KW - Coral reefs
KW - Ecosystem services
KW - Oman
KW - Recreational value
KW - Travel cost method
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jort.2024.100775
DO - 10.1016/j.jort.2024.100775
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85193453425
SN - 2213-0780
VL - 46
JO - Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
JF - Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
M1 - 100775
ER -