Journal of Forest Economics > Vol 8 > Issue 2

Costs and benefits of forest conservation: regional and local comparisons in Eastern Finland

Matleena Kniivilä, Ville Ovaskainen, Olli Saastamoinen, Matleena Kniivilä, matleena.kniivila@joensuu.fi
 
Suggested Citation
Ville Ovaskainen, Olli Saastamoinen and Matleena Kniivilä (2002), "Costs and benefits of forest conservation: regional and local comparisons in Eastern Finland", Journal of Forest Economics: Vol. 8: No. 2, pp 131-150. http://dx.doi.org/10.1078/1104-6899-00008

Publication Date: 0/0/2002
© 0 2002 Matleena Kniivilä, Ville Ovaskainen, Olli Saastamoinen, Matleena Kniivilä
 
Subjects
 
Keywords
cost-benefit analysiscontingent valuationnature conservationlocal economiesregional economic impactspike models
 

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Abstract

In addition to environmental interests vs. timber production, debates on forest conservation have typically dealt with nationwide vs. local and regional interests. While most previous studies have focused on the nationwide perspective, this paper considers the benefits and costs of existing conservation areas from the regional and local point of view. The non-market benefits of conservation are measured by means of contingent valuation. Unlike most discrete-choice CV studies, we allow for zero willingness to pay. The results of our cost-benefit analysis suggest that the aggregate benefits of conservation clearly exceed the total opportunity costs when viewed from a regional (or nationwide) perspective, but at the local level costs exceed the benefits of conservation. Differences were also found in locally vs. regionally relevant benefits and costs.

DOI:10.1078/1104-6899-00008