Valuing coral reef preservation in a caribbean marine protected area. Economic impact of scuba diving in corals of Rosario and San Bernardo national natural park, Colombia

Abstract

This study estimates the financial benefits of scuba diving services in the coral reefs of Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, in Colombia. Although this park attracts a high number of divers, the dredging of an adjacent channel threatens the sustainability of its reefs system. Adopting the travel charge approach, we apply abridged count data simulations to estimate demand for scuba diving services. We estimate the annual benefit of diving services and consumer surplus for both domestic and foreign divers. The estimates obtained can be used to inform further assessments of the value of recreational scuba diving in these coral reefs.