Author : Subade, Rodelio F.

Summary : The economic valuation of biodiversity conservation in Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park (TRNMP), a UNESCO world heritage site located in Sulu Sea, Philippines was determined using contingent valuation method (CVM). This site is highly rich in marine biodiversity, has been a popular scuba diving destination around the globe, and has supported the neighboring fishing grounds with its teeming fisheries, but has been greatly threatened by society's wasteful and destructive use. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) of Filipinos, particularly non-users, to contribute to biodiversity conservation of TRNMP was assessed in three cities: Quezon City, Cebu City and Puerto Princesa City. Two variants of data collection, personal interview (PI) and self-administered survey (SA) were employed in a dichotomous choice referendum contingent valuation method (CVM) with 3200 respondents. Across sites and CVM modes, 41% of 2591 valid observations (47% for PI and 31% for SA) were willing to pay to a trust fund for biodiversity conservation of TRNMP. The main motives for positive WTP were bequest value/motive (concern for future generations), existence value/motive, altruistic value/motive and good cause. The main reasons for non-willingness to pay were : limited income the thought that conservation would take place without the respondent's contribution, and mistrust on the institutions who would handle the conservation funds. Bid price significantly and negatively affected willingness to pay, while annual income, education, familiarity with marine biodiversity, and education level positively contributed to WTP.