Non-use values for protecting coral reefs: a review

This study reviews 23 studies on the non-use values of coral reefs, focusing on the benefits people derive from knowing these ecosystems exist and are preserved, even without direct use. Coral reefs provide essential services like coastal protection, tourism, and fishing. Non-use values include existence, bequest, and option values, with individual willingness to pay (WTP) ranging from $0.99 to $487 per year, and household WTP reaching up to $695.87 per year. Studies using choice experiments (CE) generally showed higher and broader WTP values than contingent valuation (CV). The review also incorporates studies that do not report annual per individual or per household WTP estimates but provide qualitative insights into non-use values. Significant factors affecting WTP include income and education, with distance decay effects observed. The study also highlights biases in WTP estimates and the uneven global distribution of research. The results suggest caution when comparing CV and CE results and emphasise the need for improved understanding of coral reef value in policy-making, environmental conservation approaches and sustainability initiatives.