Issues Surrounding Entrance Fees as a Suitable Mechanism for Financing Natural Areas in Australia

Australia's national parks, nature reserves, and wilderness areas protect biodiversity and other ecosystem values while offering opportunities for ecotourism and recreation. Tourism and recreation demands have increased dramatically, while land managers struggle with inadequate staff and funds, thereby jeopar- dizing the economic and social value of these protected areas. The growing use of user fees in Australia has increased revenues and improved management, but it raises questions about distributive justice and commer- cialization of Australia's natural areas.