Valuing tropical forests: methodology and case study of Madagascar
This volume examines some causes of tropical deforestation and explores forest valuation issues in the context of a protected area project. Part A (chapters 1 and 2) sets out the context of tropical deforestation and loss of biodiversity and provides a framework for examining the economic value of forests. An analytical framework is described. Part B (chapters 3 to 8) is devoted to a detailed case study of Madagascar that illustrates the practical application of the techniques of analysis to the valuation of forests described earlier. Chapter 3 describes the case study area (Mantadia Park) and general analytical approach. Chapters 4 and 5 describe how impacts on the park are valued by two user groups: local villagers and international tourists. The spatial dimensions of linkages between human activity and area ecosystems are explored in chapter 6. In chapter 7, existence values of rain forests to North Americans are estimated. The main findings and conclusions of this volume are summarized in part C. -from Editors
