Understanding conservation conflicts: an economic perspective

Hanley, N. (2015) Understanding conservation conflicts: an economic perspective. In: Redpath, S. M., Gutierrez, R. J., Wood, K. A. and Young, J. C. (eds.) Conflicts in Conservation. Cambridge University Press, pp. 79-93. ISBN 9781139084574 (doi: 10.1017/CBO9781139084574.007)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

Economics is concerned with understanding human behaviour and with analysing the consequences of the interactions between economic ‘agents’, be they firms, consumers, bird watchers or trade unions. As a field of study, it is interested in modelling how agents respond to changes in incentives, and how institutions like markets and firms help us manage competing wants given our limited resources. Economics has developed a body of theory and empirical methods which can be applied to analyse the consequences of policy-making on both individual and social well-being. As such, it offers an interesting insight into conflicts. Economics can help us understand why conservation conflicts occur, through measuring the benefits and costs to different parties, and showing how identification of these values can help mitigate conflicts by determining appropriate compensation for losses. Here, I describe the potential contributions that economics can make to conflict management before presenting two case studies to provide some illustration.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hanley, Professor Nicholas
Authors: Hanley, N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISBN:9781139084574

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record