The need to undertake more detailed economic studies during the CRA process is essential. These future studies will attempt to quantify and describe the conservation benefits, timber benefits and non-use values of forested lands within the context of an economic efficiency framework. Such a framework provides a powerful tool for evaluating different forest resource allocation options.
The results of the economic studies conducted for the IAP, as outlined above, provide a valuable and important source of information for deliberations by Government. Some of these studies are yet to be finalised. The RACAC Socio-Economic Working Group has yet to endorse these studies and also to subject the final reports to peer review. In evaluating the outputs of these studies it is important to remember that these economic studies are simply inputs into a decision making process.
A list of references included in this chapter can be obtained from RACAC.