Site level sources

User fees have proven a successful mechanism for generating income for MPAs, though there are some dangers inherent in establishing a user fee system - primarily alienating people used to free access and favouring more-visited over less-visited areas. Options include entry fees collected at the gate, admissions fees for special attractions such as museums or botanical displays, fees for camping and picnicking facilities, fees charged to concessionaires who profit from operating lodging, food and beverage, guiding, boats for diving or fishing (these include fees that may be charged for licensing the operation, and/or per-person fees they collect), and fees for yachting or cruise-ship visit permits. Parks that provide a valuable service such as water supplies for downstream cities can collect user fees by such means as a tax or levy on water or electricity users.

Leases can also be used to generate revenue. The protected area can grant the use and enjoyment of an area or infrastructure for an agreed-upon fee. Protected area lands have been leased for mineral exploration, oil development, forestry activities, grazing, and other agricultural uses, although extreme care must be taken to assure that the income-generating activities do not conflict with the conservation purposes of the area. Revenues are also obtained from fishing permits, boat launching and anchorage fees. Some protected areas obtain revenues by charging publicity fees to corporations using the protected area as a location or backdrop for advertising, films, posters, and other uses. Some charge fees for the installation and use of such facilities as transmission towers, marine platforms, or research stations. Many protected areas earn income by selling products in book and gift shops, or providing services for which the user pays ? guided snorkel trips, float trips, lectures, museums and exhibitions, films and entertainment, rental of equipment, maps and guides, etc.

The largest risk inherent in a user-fee system is the risk of commercialisation. A parks agency that places its emphasis on user-fee revenues can lose sight of some of its objectives, and tend toward facilities designed to produce income rather than protect natural resources. Other risks include redeployment of scarce personnel resources toward collection of fees rather than protection of resources; controversy and public opposition; and an increased likelihood, in some cases, that the park service may be held legally responsible for accidents suffered by users. These risks are generally outweighed by several advantages of a user-fee system. Park systems that charge fees often find an increased level of respect and professionalism on the parts of both staff and visitors. Fees can be used as a tool for managing use and directing activities to appropriate areas. And resources from both national treasuries and international and private donors can be easier to come by when the parks themselves are generating a good portion of their operating income.