The Economics of Conserving Wildlife and Natural Areas

This coherent collection of both previously published and specially written papers applies general economic principles to the conservation of wildlife and natural areas, and outlines consequential policy issues. Particular consideration is given to open-access situations, property rights in wildlife and to the total valuation of species, allowing for their possible positive and negative values. Possible conflict between economic growth and biodiversity conservation is discussed, as are the arguments for state provision of parks and protected areas. Asian elephants, kangaroos and whales are selected examples of species used to illustrate applications of the underlying principles. Forestry management is also reviewed, drawing upon the experiences of China and India. Clem Tisdell aims to demonstrate how economics can help to clarify and resolve social conflicts about nature conservation, while also highlighting the limits of economics in providing answers such as those of an intrinsic value. Doubts are thrown upon some widely accepted concepts, such as the Environmental Kuznets curve, when applied to the relationship between nature conservation and economic growth. The Economics of Conserving Wildlife and Natural Areas will be warmly welcomed by academics and policymakers in the areas of ecological and environmental economics as well as natural resource economists and managers and those with a linked interest to development studies.