One Reef, Many Values: Understanding Cross-National Drivers of Coral Conservation in the Gulf of Aqaba

This dataset was collected in 2024 as part of a cross-national research project aimed at estimating the economic value of coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba and understanding public motivations for their conservation. The study hypothesized that coral reefs generate substantial non-market value—even among individuals who do not directly interact with them—and that willingness to pay (WTP) and conservation motivations vary across national and cultural contexts.

The dataset includes four components:
1. Non-users ISR – A representative sample of the Israeli general population, surveyed using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM).
2. Non-users JRD – A representative sample of the Jordanian general population, surveyed using the same CVM instrument.
3. Users ISR – An on-site sample of Israeli visitors to the Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Eilat, also surveyed using CVM.
4. TCM (ISR Users) – Travel Cost Method (TCM) data collected from on-site visitors to estimate recreational use value.

Key findings:
* Broad support for coral reef conservation was found in both countries, with high stated WTP values.
* Israeli respondents exhibited higher WTP and mainly cited bequest value as their primary motivation.
* Jordanian respondents more frequently cited intrinsic/ecocentric motivations, such as existence value.
* The estimated total non-use value in Israel is approximately $87.2 million/year, and the recreational use value is around $9.2 million/year.
* The estimated non-use value in Jordan is approximately $36.6 million/year.

This dataset supports economic valuation, motivational analysis, and evidence-based policy development for transboundary marine conservation.