Importance-performance dynamics and willingness to pay in coastal areas for climate-adaptive Marine Debris Management

Abstract

This study focused on evaluating the adaptive capacity of coastal communities to manage marine debris, a critical issue intensified by the effects of human-induced climate change on the Earth's oceans. The detrimental impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and changes in ocean currents and temperatures, pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and human societies. The study specifically investigated the factors influencing the willingness to pay (WTP) for adaptive Marine Debris Management (MDM) services. It involved diverse community groups, including passive observers, compliant followers, and eco-champions, each exhibiting unique approaches and capacities for managing marine debris. The research revealed that while passive observers and compliant followers favor asset-based programs, eco-champions are more inclined towards enhancing environmental awareness and enforcing policies. A critical methodological aspect of the study was the quantification of WTP, set at IDR 10,000 /month/household, to assess the communities' financial commitment to MDM. The study found that WTP is influenced by factors such as awareness of environmental issues, behavioral responses to regulations, beach clean-up participation, environmental education, and recycling training. Of these, income emerged as the most impactful factor on WTP, followed by education level, age, place of residence, and eco-champion classification. Furthermore, the provision of adaptive MDM services positively influenced community WTP. These findings highlight the need for MDM policymakers to develop customized strategies that address different community groups' distinct needs and priorities. The study recommends that such strategies focus on improving understanding and responsiveness to environmental regulations and providing specialized educational programs. By adopting this approach, not only can the immediate challenge of marine debris be tackled, but it can also lead to the establishment of a more sustainable and community-focused model of environmental stewardship.