Revolutionizing Land Conservation: Sandra Goff's Groundbreaking NSF-Funded Study

Sandra Goff, an Associate Professor of Economics, is paving the way for groundbreaking research into the dynamics of land conservation. With a substantial grant from the National Science Foundation, Goff, in collaboration with Matt Williamson from Boise State University, is set to uncover what motivates landowners to participate in Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs.

Generous Support for an Ambitious Study

The awarded grant, amounting to $369,999, will support a comprehensive three-year study. This endeavor seeks to dissect the psychological and economic factors influencing landowners’ decisions to engage in conservation efforts, such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement.

The Anatomy of PES Programs

PES programs provide financial incentives to landowners for sustaining ecological services. Despite the growing popularity of these programs globally, there’s limited understanding of what drives landowner participation. According to Bates College, bridging this knowledge gap is crucial to maximizing both environmental and economic outcomes.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

Goff and Williamson’s research takes a novel interdisciplinary method, blending experimental economics, landscape ecology, and psychology. This project will begin with an engaging online experiment, simulating real-life scenarios for participants to act as forest landowners, making conservation or harvest decisions.

Real-World Implications

The study’s findings will produce practical tools and insights, teaching policymakers and organizations how to efficiently channel resources into PES programs without unintentionally stifling intrinsic motivation for ecological stewardship.

Learning from Practice

The final phase will bring direct insights through an experiment involving actual landowners, promising to yield different results than theoretical assumptions often suggest. By understanding seasoned decision-makers’ perspectives, Goff aims to refine strategies for future conservation efforts.

Sharing the Vision

Beyond the fascinating mechanics of conservation economics, this study invites Bates students into a world of interdisciplinary research. It fosters a robust academic environment and prepares students for independent inquiry and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

This glimpse into the interplay between financial incentives and conservation ethics promises to redefine how society approaches environmental stewardship, ensuring sustainable management of the world’s natural resources for generations to come.