Abstract:

Why is it that despite the abundance and diversity of resources with ecotourism potential, the benefits of Campo Ma'an National Park do not significantly contribute to tourism neither improve the living standards of local communities? This study aimed to determine the economic value of consumer goods and services and tourism. Using the observed preference method, we evaluated the economic benefits derived from the harvesting of non-timber forest products, agriculture, fishing, and tourism. This was achieved by applying environmental economics tools such as productivity effects for calculating consumer goods and services and the transport cost method for calculating the economic value of tourism. The study revealed that the Park possesses a diversity of resources with ecotourism appeal, subdivided into three components: fauna, flora, and landscape. Surveys indicate a high preference (87%) for the landscape and fauna components, highlighting the presence of endemic and protected mammal, amphibian, and bird species, as well as interesting archaeological and historical sites, rapids and waterfalls. In contrast, we observed a less attractive for flora component (13%) includes mangroves and salt marshes, which constitute the main source of food for both animals and humans. The Park's estimated annual direct use value of USD 77,087,063 was calculated based on the economic surplus generated by supply services and tourism. The majority (78%) of respondents have an average annual income ranging from USD 1,300 to USD 3,600, primarily derived from cocoa sales, fishing, and hunting. This low household income indicates that the park's presence has not significantly improved living conditions or boosted tourism in the area, due to: a lack of political will from public authorities; the failure of project and program approaches; and the limited economic impact of businesses and infrastructure projects. These shortcomings have instead fueled a sense of frustration and resentment among local communities towards the park's conservation services, industrial operators, and technical assistance providers.