OBJECTIVES
The project aims to assess CES regarding recreation values in subaquatic environments through a framework for collaborative management reflecting environmentally responsible practices within the SD activities. The main objectives of this project are:
- 1. Assess the offer and demand of CES in different marine areas.
- 2. Characterize the touristic scuba diver profile, satisfaction, awareness of management problems in marine and coastal ecosystems and divers’ perceptions and attitudes toward the preservation of these areas, and understand if the conservation status and the level of protection influence divers' local choice.
- 3. Carry out a pluralistic valuation (monetary and non-monetary) of CES.
- 4. Create and validate an observational instrument that characterizes in context the diving instructors, guides and recreational diver’s behavior patterns.
- 5. Assess if the current practices in Scuba Diving services are in accordance with the scientific standards of sustainable diving and environmental procedures for a sustainable conservation of marine systems.