Economic and Social Benefits Monitoring for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR)

About the Research Project

This project focused on assessing the economic, social, and cultural benefits of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), including tourism, recreation, and ecosystem services. It established baseline indicators, applied non-market valuation techniques, and utilized benefit transfer to link these benefits to reef health. The project helped to improve data collection efficiency, support evidence-based decision-making, and strengthen long-term conservation strategies for the GBR.

Impact

This project strengthened GBR valuation, supporting evidence-based policy and sustainable management for long-term preservation through improved socio-economic impact insights.

Project lead: Professor John Rolfe

Professor John Rolfe is a renowned environmental economist with extensive experience in market and non-market valuation, economic analysis, and the development of social, cultural, and economic indicators. He has been a key contributor to economic assessments of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) for over two decades, leading studies on non-use benefits, recreational values, and ecosystem service frameworks. Professor Rolfe's work includes developing baseline value estimates for the GBR, designing economic indicators for the Gladstone Healthy Harbour report card, and advising the GBR Independent Science Panel. His expertise in economic modelling and benefit assessment is critical for integrating human dimensions into GBR conservation strategies, aligning closely with the objectives of this project. Learn more.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

At CQUniversity we are committed to embedding sustainable practice in our operations, interactions and relationships, underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability sits as one of our strategic pillars within our Strategic Plan 2019-2023.

This project aligns to the following SDG Goals:

  • No Poverty (Goal 1)
  • Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8)
  • Life Below Water (Goal 14)

Learn more about our commitment to Sustainable Development Goals.

Decent Work and Economic Growth - Top 300 logo 2025
Life Below Water - Top 20 logo 2025