A framework to inform economic valuation of non-use benefits from coral reef intervention efforts

Abstract Healthy coral reefs hold significant value to society, not just from industries such as tourism or fishing, but by their very existence. These so-called ‘non-use benefits’ are increasingly endangered as the health of coral reefs faces escalating threats from climate change. Yet, current observation and modelling tools that help guide reef intervention efforts typically do not provide guidance on how the impact of management actions on reef ecology flows through to changes in non-use benefits. Here, we demonstrate how ecological metrics, as measured by existing reef observation or modelling tools, can be translated to an economic valuation of non-use benefits from conservation actions on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Using our framework, we find that an additional square kilometre of reef maintained in ‘good’ or ‘very good’ condition by an intervention, from 2026 to 2100, generates a median present value of ~ $4.7 million (2025 Australian dollars) in non-use benefits for the Australian public. However, we note that this estimate is surrounded by a high level of uncertainty due to limitations in available source studies used for benefit transfer, with the full range of estimated benefits falling between $0.4–$11.8 million dollars. This substantial uncertainty could be reduced by implementing a non-use valuation study customised to the GBR context. Rigorous and transparent valuation of how reef ecosystem respond to conservation actions is critical, given the rapid rise of private investment in the nature repair market. The framework presented here offers an approach that leverages existing models and expert knowledge and is designed for application to any reef conservation action whose ecological benefits can be measured or modelled.