Background
Southgate, Douglas Dewitt was born on April 20, 1952 in Portland, Oregon, United States. Son of Douglas DeWitt and Mary Sue (Wilson) Southgate.
(Attempts to halt the destruction of rain forests and othe...)
Attempts to halt the destruction of rain forests and other natural habitats in the tropics have met with little success. In particular, national parks, like those found in wealthy nations, have proven difficult to establish in Africa, Asia, and South and Central America. More often than not, people inhabiting areas designated for protection resist being told by outsiders that they must change how and where they live. Alternative approaches, frequently embodied in integrated conservation and development projects (ICDPs), are now being pursued. The goal is to address local communities' desires for improved standards of living while simultaneously meeting conservation objectives. Nature-based tourism and sustainable harvesting of forest products are the centerpieces of ICDPs and related initiatives. This book assesses the viability of conservation strategies predicated on the adoption of environmentally sound enterprises in and around threatened habitats. Drawing on research in Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru and on his extensive experience working in South and Central America and the Caribbean, the author demonstrates that it is rare for forest dwellers to derive much benefit from ecotourism, the extraction of timber and other commodities, or the collection of samples used in pharmaceutical research. Often these activities are simply unprofitable. Even when they are profitable, the benefits tend not to accrue locally, but instead are captured by outside firms and individuals who can provide important services like safe and reliable transportation. The author contends that human capital formation and related productivity-enhancing investment is the only sure path to economic progress and habitat conservation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195109961/?tag=2022091-20
(This book provides a probing examination of problems uniq...)
This book provides a probing examination of problems unique to the world's poorest countries as they attempt to achieve environmentally sound economic development. Using Ecuador as an example, the authors present six case studies that focus on tropical deforestation, farmland degradation, inefficient water resource development, oil industry pollution in Amazonian rainforests, disturbance of coastal ecosystems, and management of the Galapagos Islands. The authors argue throughout the book that fundamental policy reforms are needed both to meet the challenge of mounting resource scarcity and to achieve sustainable economic progress. They also make the case that resource users' property rights must be strengthened, market forces given freer reign, and investment stepped up in human capital and in the rural economy's scientific and technological base. Finally, the book provides support for the notion that economic development and environmental conservation can be complementary provided that intelligent policies are implemented. The book will be useful to development and resource economists, resource management specialists, and conservation professionals. These cases also offer valuable insights for environmentally concerned general readers.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195087860/?tag=2022091-20
natural resource economics educator
Southgate, Douglas Dewitt was born on April 20, 1952 in Portland, Oregon, United States. Son of Douglas DeWitt and Mary Sue (Wilson) Southgate.
Bachelor of Science, University Oregon, 1974. Doctor of Philosophy, University Wisconsin, 1980.
Assistant professor Ohio State University, Columbus, 1980-1986, associate professor natural resource economics, 1986—1995, professor, since 1995. Consultant United States Agency for International Development, Dominican Republican, Ecuador, St. Kitts, 1985, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, 1986. Member United States Agency for International Development, Ecuador, 1990-1993.
(This book provides a probing examination of problems uniq...)
(Attempts to halt the destruction of rain forests and othe...)
Member American Economic Association, American Association Agricultural Economists, Association Environmental and Resource Economists, Phi Beta Kappa.
Married Myriam Anita Posso, September 16, 1978. Children: Elizabeth, Richard.