Integrated valuation of instrumental and relational values of marine protected areas in the United Arab Emirates

We integrate contingent valuation and self-reported wellbeing indicators to inclusively assess instrumental and relational values around two potential marine protected areas (MPAS) in lagoons in Abu Dhabi (AD) and Umm al Quwain (UAQ), United Arab Emirates (UAE). In total, 510 residents and tourists were surveyed. There was near consensus that designating the lagoons as MPAs was important. All wellbeing indicators reflecting relational values scored strongly, and significantly higher for lower incomes and in the less urbanised UAQ lagoon, particularly for connection to nature. Individual willingness to pay (WTP) for establishing MPAs varied by user/non-user, size, level of protection. Central estimates for aggregated annual WTP for highly protected MPAs ranged from $1.13 m (UAQ, 153 km²) to $13.63 m (AD, 230 km²). Results suggest the substitutability of relational values varied by income, and that there were trade-offs between aggregate monetary values increasing with number of users, and local and lower income users’ wellbeing. Inclusive management must carefully balance the diverse values of marine ecosystems and wildlife, the instrumental benefits of coastal tourism, the relational connections between local people and nature, and equity issues around the lower availability of substitutes and the stronger relational values for lower-income users of potential protected areas.