Cooperation and coordination for landscape scale conservation: qualitative and experimental economics approach

Lozada Vazquez, Luz Maria (2013). Cooperation and coordination for landscape scale conservation: qualitative and experimental economics approach. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Researchers have highlighted the need for landscape scale management for biodiversity and other services such as recreation and pollination. Ecological networks have been proposed as a tool to deliver multifunctional services. Despite public policy interest, implementation of this tool is difficult because, as other public goods, ecological networks require land managers to be paid; in addition the creation of the spatial configuration of the network requires land managers’ cooperation across holdings. This thesis presents a methodological framework to test an economic incentive called ‘1-2-1 coordination bonus’ to stimulate cooperation. It also analyses existing cases of cooperation and the potential of adaptive co-management (ACM) to develop ecological networks. The research carried out in the Dee catchment, North-East Scotland, suggests the existence of processes that echo ACM, however this ACM-potential is hampered by the lack of local ecological knowledge, power-sharing and evaluation cycles. Attitudes to conservation suggested the identification of three clusters of land managers based on land tenure: states, tenants and smallholding owners. Cooperation was more frequently found within each group than across groups. The methodological framework proved to be innovative and informative for the design of the ‘1-2-1 coordination bonus’ which could stimulate cooperation for ecological networks such as field margins for pollination. But if a robust network is needed then the bonus has to be accompanied by coordination through third parties and/or spatial targeting of the incentive to achieve a specific desired network-pattern.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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