An Economic Analysis of Tropical Forest Resource Conservation in a Protected Area

Noel Perceval Assogba,Daowei Zhang

doi:10.3390/su12145850

Abstract

In this paper, we develop a reduced form model for factors influencing the conservation of forest resources. We then estimate it using a bivariate negative binomial regression model with cases of illegal farming and illegal cattle grazing in the W Reserve in West Africa. Our results show that population size and farm area in the periphery of the W Reserve are associated with an increase of 2.4% and 7.1% of the illegal farming, respectively. On the other hand, income level, the existence of a checkpoint, and the distance between the villages and the reserve decrease the illegal grazing activities by 7.3%, 63.2%, and 2.3%, respectively.

Highlights

The conservation of tropical forest resources is vital because they provide 25% of our medicines worldwide and account for over 50% of the planet’s biodiversity, they only cover less than 10% of the earth [1]
The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the characteristics of villages in the periphery of a protected area in tropical regions on its degradation
This paper contributes to the existing literature on forest resource conservation in several ways. It accounts for the relationship between forest degradation activities such as illegal farming and illegal cattle grazing in a protected area

Summary

Introduction

The conservation of tropical forest resources is vital because they provide 25% of our medicines worldwide and account for over 50% of the planet’s biodiversity, they only cover less than 10% of the earth [1] They sustain millions of people worldwide and contribute directly and indirectly to countries’ economies. Despite their importance, the conservation of tropical forest resources is still lacking [2]. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the characteristics of villages in the periphery of a protected area in tropical regions on its degradation In these regions, villages represent the basic administrative units in the periphery of protected areas [6]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion