The non-consumptive value of selected marine species at Table Mountain National Park: An exploratory study

Melville Saayman

doi:10.4102/sajems.v17i2.455

Abstract

This exploratory study aimed to determine firstly the non-consumptive value of five marine species (whales, the Great White shark, penguins, dolphins and seals) and secondly the socio-demographic and behavioural variables that influence willingness to pay to see these species. This was achieved by means of a structured questionnaire survey conducted at Table Mountain National Park, the largest urban national park in South Africa. The data consisted of 319 fully-completed questionnaires. These were analysed using factor analyses and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis. The results showed that the variables influencing willingness to pay differed from species to species, with the largest differences being found in behavioural rather than socio-demographic variables. In showing how much respondents were willing to pay to see the various species and which species they preferred, the results also highlighted the non-consumptive value of the species.

Highlights

South Africa is a well-known nature-based tourism destination where tourists travel to see and experience the wide variety of fauna and flora on offer
When it came to the non-consumptive value, whales were rated significantly higher than sharks, penguins, dolphins or seals
The Great White shark), there is a difference between preference and willingness to pay

Summary

Introduction

South Africa is a well-known nature-based tourism destination where tourists travel to see and experience the wide variety of fauna and flora on offer. Its current size is 25 000 hectares, and its jurisdiction extends across 1 000 square kilometres of seas and coastline around the Cape Peninsula (SANParks, 2011). It is known for two world-renowned landmarks, namely Table Mountain (a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s seven wonders of nature) and the Cape of Good Hope. Its diverse and unique fauna offer tourists the opportunity to view a variety of marine species. The focus of this exploratory research is on the Park’s marine attractions and tourists’

Methods

Results

Conclusion