An Economic Justification for the Development and Establishment of Seascapes in the Coral Triangle

An Economic Justification for the Development and Establishment of Seascapes in the Coral Triangle Center for the Blue Economy Digital Commons @ Center for the Blue Economy Working Papers Center for the Blue Economy Summer 8-4-2016 An Economic Justification for the Development and Establishment of Seascapes in the Coral Triangle Sorina Seeley Follow this and additional works at: . [...] Seascapes define users and terms of use for localized goods: Seascapes are rooted in local contexts – the local marine environment, the industries operating and developing in the area and the needs of local communities. [...] Efforts need to be grounded in the local community and be focused on community needs: Supplemental employment opportunities need to match the skills of their target demographic and be sensitive to the needs of the local communities. [...] 35 Given the huge contribution of fisheries to local income and the overall economy in Raja Ampat and the Bird’s Heads Seascape, the sustainable management of fisheries has the ability to be a consistent revenue source for the government and local communities3. [...] The estimated ratio of managing the park in relation to the benefits it gives back to communities and the nation were found to be 8:1, showing that the park gives back eight times the amount it costs to manage itcvi.