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Optimal Enforcement and Practical Issues of Resource Protection in Developing Countries

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  • Robinson, Elizabeth J.Z.
  • Kumar, Ajay Mahaputra
  • Albers, Heidi J.

Abstract

This paper relates the key findings of the optimal economic enforcement literature to practical issues of enforcing and managing forest and wildlife access restrictions in developing countries. Our experiences, particularly in Tanzania and southern India, detail the major pragmatic issues facing those responsible for protecting natural resources. We identified large gaps in the theoretical literature that limit its ability to inform practical management, including issues of limited funding and cost recovery, multiple layers of enforcement, different incentives faced by those responsible for enforcement, and conflict between protected-area managers’ job requirements and rural people’s needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Robinson, Elizabeth J.Z. & Kumar, Ajay Mahaputra & Albers, Heidi J., 2009. "Optimal Enforcement and Practical Issues of Resource Protection in Developing Countries," RFF Working Paper Series dp-09-08-efd, Resources for the Future.
    • Handle: RePEc:rff:dpaper:dp-09-08-efd
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    File URL: http://www.rff.org/RFF/documents/EfD-DP-09-08.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Albers, H.J., 2010. "Spatial modeling of extraction and enforcement in developing country protected areas," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 165-179, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    optimal enforcement; protected-area management; non-timber forest products; conflict; India;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • Q23 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Forestry
    • Q34 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts

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