Evaluating the Ecotourism-Conservation Nexus A Valuation of Coral Reef Ecosystem Services and Marine Protected Area Financing
Authors
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Donny Juliandri Prihadi
donny.juliandri.prihadi@unpad.ac.idUniversitas Padjadjaran,
Indonesia
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Fathimath Naseer
Maldives Polytechnic,
Maldives
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Ahmed Zahir
Maldives National University, Maldives
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Background. Coral reef ecosystems provide essential ecological and socioeconomic services that support marine biodiversity, coastal livelihoods, and ecotourism development. Increasing environmental degradation and insufficient conservation financing mechanisms threaten the sustainability of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), requiring integrated approaches that connect tourism benefits with ecosystem protection.
Purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the ecotourism-conservation nexus by assessing the economic value of coral reef ecosystem services and examining their potential contribution to sustainable MPA financing.
Method. A mixed-methods research design was applied by integrating ecosystem service valuation, stakeholder surveys, qualitative interviews, and governance assessments.
Results. The findings revealed that coral reef ecosystems generate substantial economic value through recreational tourism, coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support. Ecotourism activities contributed significantly to local economic development; however, existing conservation financing mechanisms remained insufficient to ensure long-term ecosystem management. Stakeholder participation, transparent governance, and tourism-based financial instruments emerged as critical factors supporting conservation sustainability.
Conclusion. The study concludes that ecosystem service valuation provides an important foundation for developing innovative financing strategies that transform ecotourism benefits into conservation investments. The research contributes an integrated framework for strengthening marine conservation, sustainable tourism management, and resilient blue economy development.
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