The Prospects for Using Market Incentives for Conservation of Biological Diversity

Abstract

"The prospects for market solutions to the problem of the commons are examined, i.e. the prospects for conserving wildlife and their habitats by establishing markets in wildlife products where an unmanaged commons existed previously. Several markets in wild species (seabirds, crocodiles, and butterflies) are examined to determine whether trade was organized successfully to avoid the tragedy of the commons. The analysis focuses on: (a) what conditions (political, social, economic, and biological) led to success or failure; and (b) whether these conditions are unique or likely to be encountered or replicable elsewhere."