The New Economy of Nature: The Quest to Make Conservation Profitable

by Gretchen Daily and Katherine Ellison

Book Overview

Why shouldn't people who deplete our natural assets have to pay, and those who protect them reap profits? Conservation-minded entrepreneurs and others around the world are beginning to ask just that question, as the increasing scarcity of natural resources becomes a tangible threat to our own lives and our hopes for our children. The New Economy of Nature brings together Gretchen Daily, one of the world's leading ecologists, with Katherine...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1559631546
• ISBN13: 9781559631549
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Island Press
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Case studies, great ideas

The only thing that may be lacking is that it lacks the resources to put these ideas into practice. For example, although there are many great examples and names mentioned, and the book is very inspirational, it would be aided by an appendix of practical tools for people/organizations looking to replicate the cases mentioned here. Otherwise, I have nothing but great things to say about the book for those interested in an overview of what is possible in terms of public goods valuation for ecosystem services.

Both a business and environmental book

The New Economy Of Nature: The Quest To Make Conservation Profitable is both a business and environmental book. Gretchen C. Daily and Katherine Ellison study the ways that human self-interest can be harnessed to protect Mother Earth, as pure philanthropy combined with government regulations simply are not enough by themselves to stand against naked human greed and unchecked commercial exploitation. From crises in biodiversity, to issues of the stratosphere, The New Economy Of Nature cogently draws upon ideas, examples, and situations worldwide to lend hope for the cause of financially motivated conservation. The New Economy Of Nature is an important contribution to Environmental Studies and highly recommended reading for anyone seeking to operating a successful commercial venture through making conservation profitable.

It's a great start....

I go thru phases where certain topics are of special interest, so when I saw the title of this book it peaked my interest as well as my skepticism. Since Gordon E Moore co-founder and chairman emeritus of Intell had done a positive comment on the book, and it had areas of the world that were of interest I bought it and am glad I did.I liked the piece on Napa California west of us which has for decades suffered when the massive winter rains come thru and I wanted to read of there move toward restricting building on what is known as a flood plain, without hurting the economy.Likewise in Chapter six, page 125 King County Washington and how people from distinctly different business backgrounds, blue colour to white collar corporate (Weyerhaeuser) worked together to protect the Snoqualmie Falls area, which having been there in person, is a majestic place that would have been ruined had big business been allowed to build there.But it is the way the authors have made such an effort to think outside the American box, and have shown success stories from all over the world, where businesses have or are becoming enlightened and are discovering that being environmentally sound means money and success. But as they note on page 232 "There is no single answer to the worlds environmental dilemmas, and the progress to date toward capturing the economic value of environmental services has been so limited as to be almost symbolic. Still, what has happened so far illustrates an approach with great scope for improving the world."

The Best New Approach to Conservation

Many of us have long hoped that governments would get on the ball and take the necessary steps to preserve our environment in general and critical ecosystem services in particular (if you're unfamiliar with them, read Daily's wonderful "Nature's Services"). If Shrub's efforts do destroy the environment have not convinced you we can't count on our leaders to end the ecological crisis, nothing will. This superb book tells of those who are taking a different approach -- trying to find ways that markets can be developed that will align economic and conservation goals. Everyone in both the business and environmental communities, as well as those in both, should read this interesting and hopeful book.

Highly recommended reading for environmental activists

The New Economy Of Nature: The Quest To Make Conservation Profitable by Gretchen C. Daily (Bing Interdisciplinary Research Scientist, Stanford University) and Katherine Ellison (investigative journalist and foreign correspondent, Knight Riddler Newspapers) is a selection of international spotlights on how the legal sanction of fining those who despoil the environment and rewarding those who preserve it makes good sense for both business and conservation. From a New York watershed to Costa Rica and Australia, these true-life anecdotes pave the way for a better world and a better future. The New Economy Of Nature is highly recommended reading for environmental activists, natural resources protection governmental agencies, state and federal lawmakers, as well as practical minded businesspeople and conservationists!