Economics

Studies Conducted at University of Kiel on Ecology and Economics Recently Published

  2012 APR 27 - (VerticalNews.com) -- "This paper presents a cost-benefit analysis of three different use systems for the remaining cloud forests in Ethiopia, which at present are being depleted at the rate of 8% per year. These use systems are a) traditional conversion to crop land, b) sustainable management of the forest (e.g. by growing high-quality, semi-forest coffee), and c) strict conservation," scientists in Kiel, Germany report.

  "We find that under business as usual conversion to cropland yields the highest net present income value for the local population. Taking into account watershed services, sustainable forest use is in the best interests of the country for discount rates of 10% or lower," wrote A. Reichhuber and colleagues, University of Kiel.

  The researchers concluded: "Taking into account the global benefits of biodiversity conservation and carbon storage, sustainable forest management also yields the highest total economic value while strict conservation does not pass a cost-benefit test even at a discount rate of 3%."

  Reichhuber and colleagues published their study in Ecological Economics (Alternative use systems for the remaining Ethiopian cloud forest and the role of Arabica coffee - A cost-benefit analysis. Ecological Economics, 2012;75():102-113).

  For additional information, contact A. Reichhuber, University of Kiel, Dept. of Econ, D-24118 Kiel, Germany.

  The publisher's contact information for the journal Ecological Economics is: Elsevier Science Bv, PO Box 211, 1000 Ae Amsterdam, Netherlands.

  Keywords: City:Kiel, Country:Germany, Region:Europe, Ecology and Economics

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Economics editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2012, VerticalNews Economics via VerticalNews.com.