Private Sector Conservation Investments under the Endangered Species Act: A Guide to Return on Investment Analysis

Resources for the Future Discussion Paper 17-11

39 Pages Posted: 13 Apr 2017

See all articles by James Boyd

James Boyd

Resources for the Future

Rebecca S. Epanchin-Niell

Resources for the Future

Date Written: March 7, 2017

Abstract

The US Endangered Species Act (ESA) protects imperiled species by prohibiting harm to listed species and their habitat. Over the last 20 years, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service have developed programs to increase management flexibility under the ESA and to encourage voluntary conservation actions by the private sector — above and beyond what is required for ESA compliance. These programs include Candidate Conservation Agreements, Safe Harbor Agreements, and a new Prelisting Conservation Policy, among others. Why would private landowners and firms voluntarily engage in proactive conservation efforts? We address that question by exploring the incentives created by ESA programs, using a return on investment (ROI) framework to identify the costs and benefits of participation. The paper is relevant to firms affected by current or potential species listings. It is also relevant to NGO and government conservation advocates interested in encouraging more conservation by the private sector. The analysis sheds light on factors likely to affect participation, programs’ likely effectiveness, ways to better target partnering or cost-share engagements with the private sector, and the design of future programs to achieve conservation goals.

Keywords: Endangered Species Act, Voluntary Conservation, Incentives, Return on Investment Analysis, Habitat Conservation Plans, Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances, Prelisting Conservation Policy, Safe Harbor Agreements

Suggested Citation

Boyd, James William and Epanchin-Niell, Rebecca S., Private Sector Conservation Investments under the Endangered Species Act: A Guide to Return on Investment Analysis (March 7, 2017). Resources for the Future Discussion Paper 17-11, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2950662 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2950662

James William Boyd (Contact Author)

Resources for the Future ( email )

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Rebecca S. Epanchin-Niell

Resources for the Future ( email )

1616 P Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States

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