Two Papers on the Cost Effectiveness of Conservation Programs

Abstract

This study explores the cost effectiveness of conservation offsets and three different methods of obtaining conservation easements. Given limited conservation dollars, conservation programs should be designed a cost effective manner. A new framework for evaluating offset programs is developed and applied to seven offset programs. A detailed study of an offset pilot program in Alberta is presented in Chapter 3, including calculations of the transactions costs and stakeholder perceptions. An analysis of three methods of obtaining a conservation easement, including a novel method using land purchase and re-sale, is presented in Chapter 4. The results presented in Chapter 3 show that transactions costs can be proportionally large, but do not necessarily affect perceptions on the cost effectiveness of conservation offsets. Results from the conservation easement paper show that a new approach employing land purchase and re-sale can provide a low cost method of obtaining easements in low discount rate scenarios. Both studies yield policy implications, which are synthesized in the conclusion.