Valuation of coral reefs in Japan: Willingness to pay for conservation and the effect of information

摘要: Abstract In recent decades, despite their value, coral reefs have been endangered and are swiftly declining because of land overuse, rising sea temperatures, increasing ocean acidification. This study assesses the willingness to pay (WTP) for reef conservation in Japan. We conducted an online discrete choice experiment with 10,573 respondents. A latent class logit model framework was used, three respondent classes were recognized. The first, consisting about 60% respondents, had highest income level a 326,036–414,391 JPY (100 JPY ≓ 1 USD) over lifetime. Individuals second class, comprising approximately 30% willing 9792–12,262 JPY. third 10% comprised individuals not any amount. also evaluated relative preferences respondents different scenarios. most preferred target total area, followed by scenic beauty, species richness. further estimate effect types amount information on WTP. Concise or detailed text static images increased WTP 11.7–19.1%. Providing video information, however, decreased 4.9–7.0%.