Papers by David Kaimowitz
International Forestry Review, 2003
There is an inextricable link between the futures of the world's forests and millions of the worl... more There is an inextricable link between the futures of the world's forests and millions of the world's poorest people. Some one-fourth of the world's poor depend fully or in part on forest products for subsistence needs. 1 Among the rural poor, the percentage is substantially higher. Population growth in tropical wilderness areas is 3.1 percent-more than twice the average rate of global population growth-and more than one billion individuals now inhabit the top 25 endangered biodiversity "hot spots." 2 Changes in supply, demand, and governance offer new opportunities for low-income forest communities to earn more from their forest assets. At least 25 percent of developing countries' forests are owned or administered by these communities. In addition, millions of small farmers in the developing world are growing trees-not only for the purpose of recovering local ecosystem losses, but also to meet rapidly growing demand for forest products. In many cases, forests and farmed trees are the principal assets of the poor, providing some households significant opportunities for poverty alleviation.
Development and Change, 1996
Many parts of the world are threatened with environmental damage and degradation, affecting both ... more Many parts of the world are threatened with environmental damage and degradation, affecting both the natural resources and the economy of the area. This article analyses the factors affecting the likelihood of different environmental policy reforms in Latin America, with particular emphasis on: the strengths and weaknesses of different groups which promote such reforms; the degree to which the reforms are compatible with the region's current economic policies; and how the type of political regime affects these issues. It reaches the conclusion that, although there has been progress in recent years, the possibility of carrying out far-reaching reforms which could substantially reduce pollution and resource depletion has been limited by: 1) the difficulties involved in linking environmental issues with concerns for social justice; 2) economic policies which promote the exploitation of natural resources and labour and weaken the public sector; and 3) the great influence over regional governments of groups with vested interests in continuing environmentally destructive activities.
The members of the Southern Cross Group are individuals with experience and expertise in forestry... more The members of the Southern Cross Group are individuals with experience and expertise in forestry and forest ecology. We are all concerned about the direction that has been taken by the Private Native Forestry (PNF) legislation and code of practice in NSW. These PNF initiatives are overly prescriptive and unnecessarily punitive. We believe that an approach based on incentives would be more effective than the current proposals. Inspired by the work of the Wentworth Group, we have given careful thought to these issues, and in this brochure, present our thoughts on a way forward.
... Andrea Cattaneo, Ken Chomitz, Dennis Dykstra, Ricardo Godoy, Hans Gregersen, Donald Jones, Sh... more ... Andrea Cattaneo, Ken Chomitz, Dennis Dykstra, Ricardo Godoy, Hans Gregersen, Donald Jones, Shashi Kant, David Kummer, Jan Laarman, Bruce Larson, Ottar Mæstad, Lucio Munoz, Gerald Nelson, John Palmer, Matti Palo, David Pearce, Alexander Pfaff, Francisco Pichon ...
This paper applies a spatial economic regression model to analyze the relation between deforestat... more This paper applies a spatial economic regression model to analyze the relation between deforestation in the period from 1989 to 1994 and access to roads and markets, ecological conditions, land tenure, and zoning policies in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The data comes from a Geographic Information System (GIS) compiled by the Natural Resources Department of the Santa Cruz Government. Locations closer to roads and the City of Santa Cruz and that have more fertile soils and higher rainfall have a greater probability of being deforested. The same also applies to colonization areas. National parks and areas occupied by indigenous people do not have significantly less deforestation than sites with similar acess and ecological conditions. Forest concessions, on the other hand seem to protect forests. Francisco Kempff, John Nittler, Christian Vallejos, and Roderich von Offen. Other useful comments and suggestions have come from Ken Chomitz, Ivan Morales, Gery Nelson, and Tom Tomich.
... factors such as population growth, poverty reduction, national income, economic growth, andfo... more ... factors such as population growth, poverty reduction, national income, economic growth, andforeign debt is ... A clear distinction among the three levels is necessary for several reasons. ... the levels of variables are related to the type of model used: microeconomic models focus on ...
Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 2008
Researchers have long argued that improved livestock technologies and intensification will reduce... more Researchers have long argued that improved livestock technologies and intensification will reduce the pressure on Latin America's forests. This article combines economic theory with insights from seven case studies to examine under what conditions technological change will reduce (or increase) forest clearing. In many contexts improved technologies—by making cattle production more profitable—will result in more forest being converted to pasture.
Journal of Forest Research, 2004
Asian policymakers need to know how changes in land uses and practices related to forests affect ... more Asian policymakers need to know how changes in land uses and practices related to forests affect flooding, dry season stream flow, and water quality. Based on their beliefs about these relations policymakers often ban logging or introduce expensive projects. Many key stakeholders believe that logging and deforestation increase flooding and the damage floods cause, but there is only evidence for this in relation to smaller and less severe floods. It is also widely believed that logging and clearing forest reduce dry season stream flow, but whether that actually occurs depends on rainfall patterns, soils, topography, geology, and the type of vegetation. Forests generally improve water quality, although not always. More research is needed on the magnitude of the water quality effects, particularly as regards drinking water.
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Papers by David Kaimowitz