Willingness to Pay: A Challenge

Funding for MPAs come from a variety of sources, ranging from central government support to public donations. But willing to pay (WTP) is examined in this case as it reflects the user’s value for the MPA.

Willingness to Pay.

Research has indicated that tourists, especially divers, are willing to pay reasonable fees if it is evident that the money is invested in conservation. The amount MPAs decide to charge can range from fees that are based on a general instinctive feeling to a research and calculated analysis. The latter is uncommon however.

Also MPAs are not sufficiently “exploiting” potential revenue from diver fees that can be used for funding. Studies who analyze diver’s willingness to pay (WTP) in Southeast Asia, Caribbean and Indian and Pacific Ocean islands found that their WTP is significantly higher than the current fees they are paying. A survey of 112 dive operators in Southeast Asia and 41 from Indo-Pacific found that 63% is prepared to accept an increase in fees. ¾ of this 63% is even willing to approve of doubling of fees. This suggests that entrance fees are opportunities for MPA to generate revenue, and this would help lighten the problem of lack of funds for many MPAs. Additionally, in Southeast Asia, the potential to generate revenue through diver fees is extremely high, with 56% of dives occurring within MPAs. The MPAs however are not tapping into this major resource.