Anna Alberini - Böcker

Simulation methods are revolutionizing the practice of applied economic analysis. This volume collects eighteen chapters written by leading researchers from prestigious research institutions the world over. The common denominator of the papers is their relevance for applied research in environmental and resource economics. The topics range from discrete choice modeling with heterogeneity of preferences, to Bayesian estimation, to Monte Carlo experiments, to structural estimation of Kuhn-Tucker demand systems, to evaluation of simulation noise in maximum simulated likelihood estimates, to dynamic natural resource modeling. Empirical cases are used to show the practical use and the results brought forth by the different methods.

The Handbook on Contingent Valuation is unique in that it focuses on contingent valuation as a method for evaluating environmental change. It examines econometric issues, conceptual underpinnings, implementation issues as well as alternatives to contingent valuation. Anna Alberini and James Kahn have compiled a comprehensive and original reference volume containing invaluable case studies that demonstrate the implementation of contingent valuation in a wide variety of applications. Chapters include those on the history of contingent valuation, a practical guide to its implementation, the use of experimental approaches, an ecological economics perspective on contingent valuation and approaches for developing nations.The Handbook also contains:<>Pdiscussions of underlying theoryboth contingent valuation and conjoint analysiscomparisons of real and hypothetical data using experimental approachesan examination of survey structure issuesdeveloping country focuscritical essays concerning the ethical basis of contingent valuation.This new reference book will be warmly welcomed by academics in environmental economics, environmental professionals in government, consulting firms and NGOs. Graduate and undergraduate students in economics, environmental studies and environmental policy will also find this an ever valuable resource.

In complex natural resource systems, modifications or disruptions tend to affect many and diverse components of the ecological system, settlements and groups of people. This book uses the Lagoon of Venice - a unique natural resource, wildlife habitat, centre of cultural heritage and recreational site - as an example of one such system that has been heavily affected by human activities, including the harvesting of natural resources and industrial production. The contributors explore the Lagoon's potential for regeneration, examining public policies currently under consideration. The aim of these policies is to restore island coastlines and marshes, fish stocks, habitat and environmental quality, defend morphology and landscape through the strict control of fishing practices, and to protect the islands from high tides. Various market and non-market approaches placing a monetary value on environmental quality changes are then analysed by the contributors. They offer novel and creative applications of non-market valuation techniques for the Lagoon, and even outline the trade-offs that Lagoon users and parties interested in redeveloping contaminated sites are prepared to make between their own profits and policy offerings or demands. This unique and fascinating book will strongly appeal to students, researchers and academics with an interest in natural resources valuation and management, environmental economics and applied benefit-cost analysis.