Conservation (f)or Development? Spatial patterns and economic impacts of protected areas in the continental United States

Keywords: protected areas, local economic development, spatial analysis, United States
Session Type: Virtual Lightning Paper Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 42

Abstract

Setting aside land and seas is the most common conservation strategy to combat increasing biodiversity and habitat loss. These protected areas provide ecosystem services to humans which result in health, cultural, and socio-economic benefits. However, establishing PAs restricts some economic activities such as resource extraction and conversion to real estate development, which may affect economic development in neighboring communities. This research addresses the role of PAs in local economic development within the United States, a megadiverse country, and a leader in the modern conservation movement. I conduct the first nation-wide, county level spatial regression analysis measuring the effects of the presence of PAs on local economic development indicators using data from PAD-USGS and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. These results have implications for public support and policymaking for conservation in the US and globally.