Ecological-economic modelling of the links between land use and biodiversity – Nicholas Hanley
Speaker: Nicholas Hanley (University of St.Andrews)
Abstract
In this paper, we look at how economic models of land management decisions by upland farmers can be linked to ecological models of bird abundance. We use this combined ecological-economic model to estimate the trade-offs between farm income and biodiversity and to show the gains in cost-effectiveness which could result from the re-design of agri-environment schemes. We then use scenario analysis to show how future changes in crop prices, input costs and agricultural support might impact on biodiversity.