The Economic Value of Water and Ecosystem Preservation

Contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural
heritage, includes local and indigenous communities in its planning,
development and operation, contributing to their well-being,
Interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to
visitors, lends itself better to independent travelers, as well as to
organized tours for small size groups (United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), 2003).
Ecotourism is not necessarily sustainable; however, it can be if conducted in
a thoughtful manner. This form of ecotourism can be preferable to alternative
forms of economic development such as logging, mining, or agriculture, because
it has the potential to protect natural areas and benefit local people at the same
time (Sekercioglu, 2002). “Well-planned and managed ecotourism may prove to
be the most effective tool for long-term conservation of biodiversity when the right
circumstances (such as market feasibility, management capacity at local level,
and clear and monitored links between ecotourism development and
conservation) are present (United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
2003).”
In the context of this report, we use the term “ecotourism” to imply nonconsumptive,
nature based tourism that is not necessarily sustainable. The
reason for this is mainly because the economic impact of consumptive uses of
nature based resources (hunting and fishing) have already been evaluated in the
San Antonio Bay Region (along with many other Texas coastal regions). 3
Birding, hiking, camping, boating and other forms of ecotourism are growing
in popularity among Americans. These activities bring an economic dimension to
communities as people come to experience the natural resources and spend
their money on goods and services provided by local communities. Trip-related
expenditures for wildlife viewing across the United States accounted for about
$8.2 billion in 2000. Texas ranked fourth in total economic output related to
wildlife watching expenditures at $2.46 billion, resulting in 28,377 jobs across the
state (US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2001). Birdwatchers are one of the best
sources of ecotourism income since they form the largest single group of
ecotourists, are educated, and have above average incomes. The National
Survey on Recreation and the Environment reported that the percentage of
Americans that participated in birding one or more times in the past twelve
months has increased from 12% in 1982-83 to 33% in 2000-2001 (US Fish and
Wildlife Service, 2003b). Approximately 2,268,000 birders visit Texas annually, of
which 94% are from in state and 6% are from out-of-state (US Department of the
Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service et al., 2003).
3 For a discussion of the economic value of consumptive uses of nature-based resources, see Jones, Lonnie L. and A.
Tanyeri-Abur. 2001. Impacts of Recreational and Commercial Fishing and Coastal Resource-Based Tourism on Regional
and State Economies. TR-184, Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M Univ., College Station.
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