Policy Review - An Alternative Approach to Accounting for Natural Resources: The Case of Multipurpose Forestry in Australia

Abstract

Accounting reports represent one of the most widely used forms of communication on an organization's performance to its stakeholders, including existing and potential investors, regulatory agencies, and lobby groups. However, these reports often present only a partial picture of an organization's performance because nonmarket, unpriced events relating to the management of natural resources are not taken into consideration. Consequently, reliance on these reports can lead to poorly informed decisions regarding use of resources controlled by organizations. In this article, an alternative reporting framework for organizations managing natural resources is proposed, which incorporates the data management and communication skills of the accountant, and the resource valuation techniques of the economist. The proposed reporting framework is illustrated with reference to a multipurpose reforestation program in Australia, and practical issues associated with its application are discussed.