The Conservation Economics initiative uses research and real-world examples to communicate the economic value of land conservation and refute claims of negative impacts in order to facilitate new funding streams for land conservation. Specifically, the Conservation Finance program aims to grow the pool of available funding for land conservation by attaining support from non-traditional conservation partners.
Several projects are underway to further this work, including Issue Briefs, which provide an in-depth look at the economic benefits of land conservation in New England.
To further convey the message of this research, Highstead has developed case studies focused on telling the real-life stories of land conservation and economic development. These first-hand accounts of the impact land protection projects have had on local communities provide relatable examples, full of information and anecdotes, to assist our partners in communicating and engaging with decision-makers and the general public to promote further support for land conservation.
