Approximation of the benefits of socioeconomic activities in Cocos Island National Park and the effects of climate change

In 2019, Cocos Island National Park (CINP) generated approximately US$19.7 million in socioeconomic benefits, with 88% of this value derived at the national level. The study highlights the park's significance as a driver for economic activities, particularly through its rich biodiversity, including critical marine species like the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini). Researchers used cluster analysis and a value chain approach to map productive and non-productive activities linked to the CINP across local, regional, national, and international scales. The findings underscore the vulnerability of these economic benefits to threats such as overfishing and climate change, emphasizing the need for robust conservation measures to safeguard both ecological integrity and socioeconomic returns.

Moreno, M. L., Jiménez, K., & Villalobos, C. (2021). Approximation of the benefits of socioeconomic activities in Cocos Island National Park and the effects of climate change. Revista Interamericana de Ambiente Y Turismo, 17(1), 14–26. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-235x2021000100014