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 Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Australia; GBRWHA; IDS; perceptions; quality of life; values
Research Division:	Economics
Research Group:	Other economics
Research Field:	Ecological economics
Objective Division:	Environmental Management
Objective Group:	Terrestrial systems and management
Objective Field:	Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems
UTAS Author:	Stoeckl, N (Professor Natalie Stoeckl)
ID Code:	137259
Year Published:	2015
Web of Science® Times Cited:	14
Deposited By:	College Office - CoBE
Deposited On:	2020-02-06
Last Modified:	2020-04-28
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