Cost-benefit Analysis of Ecological Protection in China's Coastal Zone: A Case Study of the Beibu Gulf Coastal Zone

Abstract

The coastal zone, a crucial area for human resources and ecological services, is facing significant ecological damage due to human overexploitation. As economic development shifts towards the ocean, the contradiction between coastal ecosystem protection and economic development intensifies. This paper presents an opportunity cost assessment system for coastal ecological environment protection, focusing on the Beibu Gulf coastal zone. The study reveals that the average annual opportunity cost of the Beibu Gulf coastal ecosystem is 1.36×109 yuan, with government opportunity costs dominating due to strict environmental protection policies. Residents face 4.5×107 yuan, mainly due to limited aquaculture and planting industries, and enterprises face 3.18×107 yuan, mainly due to suspended production and rectification of small and micro enterprises.