Diving sites, coral reefs and coral bleaching in the Philippines

Issue Date

2001

Abstract

In the light of the recent coral bleaching incidents that struck Philippine coral reef resources in 1998, this study assessed local SCUBA divers' willingness to pay (WTP) for rehabilitation and restoration efforts and programs to make Philippine reefs less vulnerable to impacts of coral bleaching.

A total of 103 local SCUBA divers from all over the country were surveyed using the contingent valuation methodology (CVM). Diver's perceptions and opinions concerning the issue of coral bleaching were solicited in the survey. Data on travel cost information were also sought. The survey resulted in local SCUBA divers average WTP of PhP 3,756.67 per annum. An amount of PhP 101,430,090 or U$$ 2,254,002.00 (at US $ 1 = PhP 45) was estimated to be the annual WTP of the entire population of local divers. The group of local SCUBA divers, however, is just one of the many groups of people who have positive valuation on Philippine reefs.

Levels of diving, length of stay in a dive site or resort and engagement of divers in business were the significant factors affecting local divers' WTP. A multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors influencing local SCUBA divers' WTP.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

4

Issue

1-2

Page

68-80

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

maps, pictures, graphs, tables

Language

English

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