Environment
Beyond the lamppost: Optimal prevention and control of the Brown Tree Snake in Hawaii
We develop an integrated model for the prevention and control of an invasive species. The generality of the model allows its use for both existing and potential threats to the system of interest. The deterministic nature of arrivals in the model enables clear examination of the tradeoffs inherent when choosing between prevention and control strategies. […]
Read MoreModels of Spatial and Intertemporal Invasive Species Management
Prepared for the NCEE Valuation for Environmental Policy: Ecological Benefits Conference April 23-24, 2007.
Read MoreLearning-by-catching: Uncertain invasive-species populations and the value of information
This paper develops a model of invasive species control when the species’ population size is unknown. In the face of an uncertain population size, a resource manager’s species-control efforts provide two potential benefits: (1) a direct benefit of possibly reducing the population of invasive species, and (2) an indirect benefit of information acquisition (due to […]
Read MoreCommunity forums with Representative Lyla Berg
UHERO research associates are contributing to the discussion of Hawaii’s future in a 3-part series of community forums. The forums are held on Wednesdays at Kahala Elementary School from 7-8:30 pm. After each forum, you will find links to the presentations below: March 21, 2007: Asset Building as Economic Development with Dr. Karl Kim, Kimberly […]
Read MoreThe Economic Value of Watershed Conservation
Watershed conservation creates benefits within and beyond the management area of interest. Direct benefits are those realized in the watershed itself, such as improved water quality and quantity, and biodiversity protection. Additionally, the health of a watershed has profound implications on near-shore resources below its reaches, including beaches and coral reefs. This chapter reviews the […]
Read MoreEconomic lessons from control efforts for an invasive species: Miconia calvescens in Hawaii
Once established, invasive species can rapidly and irreversibly alter ecosystems and degrade the value of ecosystem services. Optimal control of an unwanted species solves for a trajectory of removals that minimizes the present value of removal costs and residual damages from the remaining population. The shrubby tree, Miconia calvescens, is used to illustrate dynamic policy […]
Read MoreSpatial containment of invasive species: Insights from economics
Economics can clarify the discussion on invasive species in at least three ways. First is through the use of incentives to change human behavior so as to enhance protection against the introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive species across the world. The second recognizes the public good characteristics of invasive species control, and develops institutions to support the […]
Read MoreOptimal Public Control of Exotic Species: Preventing the Brown Tree Snake from Invading Hawai‘i
This paper develops a theoretical model for the efficient establishment of economic policy pertaining to invasive species, integrating prevention and control of invasive species into a single model of optimal control policy, and applies this model to the case of the Brown tree snake as a potential invader of Hawaii.
Read MoreEconomic impacts of non-indigenous species: Miconia and the Hawaiian economy
Imperfect scientific information regarding potential invasiveness, differences between private and public outcomes for individual decisions regarding planting, and inadequate prevention activity combine to impose costs through a change in native ecosystems susceptible to invasion by hardy, rapidly reproducing non-indigenous species. Concepts and tools from economic theory that may improve policy decisions are explored through the […]
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