Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions

A unique and comprehensive book on the value of biodiversity and genetic resources and on the economics of ecosystem services. It is really Tisdells' legacy to future generations studying natural resource economics and management.' - Guido Van Huylenbroeck, Ghent University, Belgium'With Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions Clem Tisdell has given us a framework to critically explore one of the overarching issues of our time-the unprecedented scale of the destruction of the biological systems upon which we ultimately depend. This book should become the definitive text for the economics of biodiversity and ecosystems.' - John Gowdy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, US The stock of the world's biological diversity and the state of its ecosystems are major determinants of the availability of commodities, both essential and desirable, for human life. This leading-edge study provides an overarching and balanced approach to the economics of biological conservation; considering man made and natural components, and their interdependence. Recognising the deficiencies of many contemporary studies, which focus almost entirely on natural capital, Clement Tisdell utilizes the concept of heritage biological capital, including germplasm, as part of his analysis of changes in the stock of biological capital. This comprehensive synthesis casts doubt upon some propositions and policies for resource conservation recommended by eminent ecologists in areas such as GM crops and livestock husbandry as well as agroecosystems and the concept of sustainable agricultural intensification. The propositions presented are lent strength by the author's decision to relate his analysis to pertinent contemporary institutional developments and scientific advances. The broad scope and rational scepticism with which this book has been compiled make it an ideal read for economists interested in ecological and environmental economics, natural scientists with an interest in biodiversity conservation and higher level policy makers in ecological and environmental fields.