In the News: Muri Lagoon Health

Across late 2024, TPVM partnered with the Asian Development Bank and Griffith University to conduct a study on the non-market value of Muri Lagoon, to understand the views and willingness to invest for both local residents and international tourists.

The TPVM team conducted choice experiment surveys, collecting around 560 responses in November and December 2024. 

The study found there is strong support and willingness to pay for protecting and restoring the lagoon’s health, from both residents and visitors alike.  

These findings could shape future investment decisions for conservation and sustainable management of a site that has immense social, cultural and economic importance. A story in the Cook Islands News this week, Community, tourists willing to invest in Muri Lagoon’s health, report shows, discusses this more with mention of our research work with Griffith University.