A global analysis of coral reef conservation preferences

Abstract

Abstract Coral reefs and many associated fish populations may cease to exist by the end of the century without additional long-term strategic conservation effort. This paper examines demand for global coral and reef fish conservation in twelve countries of varying income and tropical reef proximity. We analyze preferences for several conservation measures, as well as the impact of country- and individual-specific characteristics and preferences on conservation demand. Moreover, the role of scarcity in shaping this demand is explored. Overall, our findings suggest that preferences of the general public are not well-aligned with coral reef conservation measures that are likely to be effective over time. Individuals are more willing to act to save reefs when they are in serious decline than moderate decline. They also prefer hands on restoration measures, which empirically have been shown to have varying rates of success, over expanding marine protected areas and strengthening legislation. We further find that conservation demand is highest in countries where income is low and where tropical reefs are present. Based on these results, we draw key implications for policymaking decisions based on insights from behavioural science, such as highlighting worst-case future coral reef scenarios.