The Economic Value of Water and Ecosystem Preservation

impact. It is necessary to conduct empirical studies of birdwatchers and other
ecotourists in order to obtain a reliable figure of ecotourism expenditures in the
area and their impact on the local economy(Mathis, 2004a). Despite these
difficulties in measuring ecotourism production and impact, existing evidence
indicates that ecotourism is playing an important role in the local economy.
Activities such as birdwatching, photography, backpacking, horseback riding,
cycling, wildlife viewing, and canoeing are increasingly popular as urban
residents and visitors strive to connect with nature (Mathis, 2004a).” The Bay has
many valuable unique ecological assets that serve as the basis of ecotourism
and its various components, such as lodging, dining, and tour operators. Projects
like the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and the Texas Coastal Paddling Trail
take advantage of the regional assets, with the intention of continuing to develop
the ecotourism industry.
“Even as the San Antonio Bay’s ecotourism sector continues to gain
momentum, the fragile natural assets upon which it depends – that is, the
region’s uniquely diverse habitats and ecosystems – are experiencing increasing
pressure from human development. Obtaining resources to sufficiently preserve
these natural assets presents a formidable challenge. Beyond dollars, an
adequate amount of water is of critical importance to sustaining the remarkable
biodiversity of the Bay. Yet as domestic, industrial and agricultural users compete
for water in the face of persistent scarcity, the ecosystem’s water needs have
only recently been addressed.
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