Clement A. Tisdell

This volume combines economics and ecology in a penetrating examination of the natural resources and environmental issues arising from economic growth, development, and change. The author focuses particular attention on the environmental consequences of economic change and argues that the management and conservation of biological resources is a requirement for sustainable economic growth. By setting traditional economic issues within their wider environmental context and covering issues not ordinarily addressed by economists, Tisdell offers an important new perspective on the problem of resource scarcity. He examines the two conflicting viewpoints on the magnitude of the problem--those who argue that technological progress will make scarcity of natural resources less important and those who argue that economic growth can only be expected to intensify scarcity--suggesting a reasonable course of action that will allow acceptable levels of economic growth while protecting important natural resources. Tisdell's work will be useful both as a supplementary text for courses in development or environmental economics and as recommended reading in biology, environmental studies, and ecology programs. Following an introduction which covers basic issues in resource scarcity, along with growth and development, the author addresses the major economic, ethical, and ecological issues involved in the conservation of biological resources. He goes on to examine concepts and changing views of sustainable economic growth, production, and development. Subsequent chapters explore such topics as conservation in less developed countries and the economic pressures that hinder conservation efforts, differing views on depletable resources as limits to growth, rural-urban migration and its effects on labor allocation, and foreign assistance to resource-poor developing countries. A case study of wildlife on New Zealand's Otago Peninsula is particularly useful in illustrating the economics of biological conservation. Throughout, Tisdell concentrates on providing a reasoned, balanced assessment of the impact of economic growth and change on the natural environment that will be an important resource for proponents on both sides of the environment versus development debate.

This volume fills a gap in the literature by analyzing basic issues in development economics as they affect a particular type of Third World nation - small island economies. Using practical examples from the Caribbean Basin and the South Pacific, the authors examine in depth structural and employment issues, demographic and socioeconomic issues, and environmental and natural resource issues. Their aim throughout is to identify and assess the particular and unique development problems faced by small island economies so that effective policies can be derived that will more accurately reflect socioeconomic realities in these areas. Following an introductory overview, the authors discuss the role of staple exports in the economic well being of small island economies as well as issues relating to manufacturing and service sector activities and the structural and employment impacts of tourism. In Part Two, they turn to an exploration of demographic and socioeconomic issues including the effects of urbanization on the development process, the implications of migration from and between small island nations, the brain drain problem, and the relationship between criminal activity and development. Part Three shifts the focus from people-oriented issues to concerns related to agriculture and resource utilization. Separate chapters address agriculture in the developmental mix, the use of fisheries, forest resources, minerals, and conservation issues. The final section looks at the international considerations raised by the study and outlines the policy implications of the authors' findings. Students of development economics, international trade, and finance will find this an invaluable contribution to the greater understanding of the specific development problems faced by small island economies.