Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Measuring Biophysical and Psychological Stress Levels Following Visitation to Three Locations with Differing Levels of Nature
Published on: June 19, 2019
Economic value of protected areas via visitor mental health
Ralf Buckley1, Paula Brough2, Leah Hague2
1Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4222. r.buckley@griffith.edu.au.
Abstract:
We evaluate methods to calculate the economic value of protected areas derived from the improved mental health of visitors. A conservative global estimate using quality-adjusted life years, a standard measure in health economics, is US$6 trillion p.a. This is an order of magnitude greater than the global value of protected area tourism, and two to three orders greater than global aggregate protected area management agency budgets. Future research should: refine this estimate using more precise methods; consider interactions between health and conservation policies and budgets at national scales; and examine links between personalities and protected area experiences at individual scale.
Related Concept Videos
Biodiversity and Human Values
Benefits of Self-Esteem
Optimal Foraging
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Dimensions of Health and Illness
Conservation of Declining Populations

