[Coral-List] Coral reefs importance brainstorm

Finlay, Andrew Andrew.Finlay at atkinsglobal.com
Mon Aug 18 04:50:48 EDT 2003


Is it really ethical to equate a monetary value on natural resources such as
coral reefs, water, or air?

i.e. (example only not real figures) that a humphead wrasse is worth US$5000
in tourism revenue (over a 5 period) as scuba divers are willing to pay x
amount of dollars to come and see these increasingly rare species.

Unfortunately we have come to the stage when we may have to say 'yes' - it
maybe now the only way forward for conservation.

Government decision makers will never prioritise the environment, (i.e.
ahead of public services), until they are made aware of just how much
revenue natural resources bring in for their country.

i.e. The Economic Value of the Coral Reefs of Hawaii (Cesar 2000/1) or 
The Economic Value of the Coral Reefs of Egypt - same author in print

Whilst it may not be ideal or ethical to say a certain coral reef is worth x
amount of dollars - it may be the only way to get politicians to wake up.

Fin

R. Andrew O. Finlay 
Environmental Consultant
Atkins Water
Woodcote Grove
Ashley Road
Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BW
Tel: +44 (0)1372 754260
Fax: +44 (0)1372 754331
Email: Andrew.Finlay at atkinsglobal.com
Web: www.atkinsglobal.com/water



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