Valuing marine biodiversity conservation in sal island (cape verde) using the contingent valuation method

In the present study, we estimated the value of marine biodiversity off Sal island (Cape Verde) through a contingent valuation methodology, where tourist divers, who had recently dove off Sal island, were asked about their willingness to pay (WTP) for the protection of local marine biodiversity through donations, fees, or other forms for the creation of a trust fund. Of 347 respondents,32% stated they were unwilling to contribute (protest bidders). Of those respondents who said they would be willing to contribute, 50% chose “fee” as the option where they were willing to pay less, whereas the “combined” option (i.e. including “donation”, “fee” and “souvenir”) was the one where respondents were willing to pay more, with around €1-7 and €0-800, respectively. We discuss the potential of trust funds as potential revenue sources to support marine biodiversity conservation and improve resilience of both local diver operator businesses, other tourist enterprises, and the local community as a whole.