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The role the Great Barrier Reef plays in resident wellbeing and implications for its management
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 10:37 authored by Larson, S, Natalie StoecklNatalie Stoeckl, Farr, M, Esparon, MImprovements 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.
History
Publication title
AmbioVolume
44Pagination
166-177ISSN
0044-7447Department/School
College Office - College of Business and EconomicsPublisher
Royal Swedish Acad SciencesPlace of publication
Publ Dept Box 50005, Stockholm, Sweden, S-104 05Rights statement
Copyright Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences 2014Repository Status
- Restricted