Biodiversity Program Current Activities:
Economics of Biodiversity

Integrating economic and environmental policy is essential to an effective strategy for biodiversity conservation. In recognition of this need, Article 11 of the Biodiversity Convention requires Parties to examine the impact of economic incentives on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 

CIEL works to encourage policy reforms that remove incentives for destroying habitat while expanding the use of economic incentives for conservation.  

In 1996, we published What Price Biodiversity?, which proposed reforms to US law and policy.  We also co-authored a policy brief with Conservation International, Encouraging Private Sector Support for Biodiversity Conservation: The Use of Economic Incentives and Legal Tools.  

CIEL also served on the US delegation to, and was the sole non-governmental participant in, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Expert Group on Economic Aspects of Biodiversity.  The group published a policy report in 1996.