The Economic Value Of Wilderness

These compiled conference papers range from philosophical to highly technical and from advocacy to opposition. Herein, the papers are arranged according to the following sections of the conference: Recreation and Wildlife Economic Methods and Techniques International Case Studies Nonconforming Opportunity Costs of Wilderness Local Economic Impacts Economic Value in Decision Making Noneconomic Benefits of Wilderness Special Reports A number of ideas, concepts, and knowledge gaps seem to permeate the papers. Foremost among them is the problem of defining that which is to be valued. Unlike apples and oranges, wilderness presents dimensions ranging from the tangible to the existential. Is there a holistic system value different from the sum of individual units? What, in fact, are the defining characteristics of individual units and how can they be measured separately and interactively? There are no easy answers. The economics profession appears to be ready with a theoretical and methodological tool kit to address parts of the problem. Indeed, papers at this conference illustrate advances in measuring components of both direct and indirect, consumptive and nonconsumptive benefits attributable to wilderness, specific wilderness sites, and particular aspects of individual wilderness areas. Nevertheless, the development of these tools is at its infancy, and they will be very limited until the huge gaps in understanding the physical, psychological, political, and philosophical relationships inherent in complex wilderness systems are better understood.

Wilderness is a culturally constructed concept that evolves over time with changes in socioeconomic, technological, demographic, and political conditions. Societal transformations, including growth of minority and underserved populations along with greater calls for environmental justice, in combination with changes in climatic variables (e.g., temperature and precipitation) and natural disturbances (e.g., wildfires, droughts, and invasive species) are creating new challenges for wilderness management agencies. This report provides up-to-date knowledge on societal benefits and ecosystem service values provided by wilderness and associated wildlands while also suggesting research directions that can help policymakers better understand social values and tradeoffs inherent in the allocation of resources to support wilderness preservation and management.

Suggests how theories and techniques widely used in business and industry can be applied to schools as a group complementing each other. For administrators, reformers, teachers, parents, and anyone else interested in education. Explains the theory behind each of the five technologies, then describes tools for its implementation. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Assesses to what extent wilderness areas in Europe receive protection under international conventions, EU directives and domestic law.