Recreation Benefits of the Ecological Conservation Project of Xiaoliuqiu Green Sea Turtle Habitat

Meiyu Wu and Yawen Chiueh ()
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Meiyu Wu: National Tsing Hua University, Department of Environmental and Cultural Resources
Yawen Chiueh: National Tsing Hua University, Department of Environmental and Cultural Resources

Chapter 9 in Carbon Neutrality, Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development in Asia, 2026, pp 223-245 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Xiaoliuqiu is Taiwan’s only coral reef island and serves as a critical habitat for green sea turtles. However, during peak seasons, the island receives more than ten thousand tourists per day, leading to traffic congestion, loss of intertidal biodiversity, and increasing threats to turtle survival. Using the Travel Cost Method, this study estimates the ecological conservation benefits of Xiaoliuqiu. In 2023, the recreational benefit was approximately NT$45,009 per visitor, totaling NT$50.315 billion annually. Over the next three years, the benefit is projected to reach NT$70,844 per visitor, with a total of NT$79.196 billion, assuming the same number of visitors. Beginning in July 2024, the Pingtung County Government will introduce an NT$60 ocean conservation fee per person. The results show that this fee is far lower than the actual conservation value of the habitat. It is recommended to increase the fee and establish a dedicated unit to ensure both species conservation and sustainable eco-tourism.

Keywords: Recreation value; Travel Cost Method; green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas); Ocean conservation fee; Xiaoliuqiu (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-981-95-5613-7_9

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DOI: 10.1007/978-981-95-5613-7_9

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