Economic Valuation of Forest Ecosystems Service’s Role in Maintaining and Improving Water Quality
Bamlaku Ayenew,
Yemiryu Tesfay
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
71-80
Received:
9 July 2015
Accepted:
15 August 2015
Published:
26 August 2015
Abstract: The objective of this paper was to review the economic value of forest ecosystem services especially in maintaining and improving water quality and also to highlight the commonly applied techniques that are applied in the valuation of these economic values. The importance of natural forest ecosystems to human well-being cannot be overstated. What this review makes clear that forest ecosystem service provides important portion of the total contribution to economic development and social welfare in the maintaining and improving water quality. Water in adequate quantity and quality to meet human needs is essential, and forests have direct and indirect roles in providing such water. However, in order for conservation of forest areas to be economically feasible, such forest areas need to secure a financial return in excess of alternative uses. It is increasingly recognized that both the availability and the quality of water are strongly influenced by forests and that water resources in many regions are under growing threat from overuse, misuse and pollution. The relationship between forests and water is therefore a critical issue that must be accorded high priority. A key challenge for land, forest and water managers is maximizing the wide range of forest benefits without detriment to water resources and ecosystem function. To address this challenge, there is urgent need for better understanding of the interactions between forests/trees and water (particularly in watersheds), for awareness raising and capacity building in forest hydrology, and for embedding this knowledge and research findings in policies. There is also need to develop institutional mechanisms to enhance synergies in forests and water issues, and to implement and enforce national and regional action programmes.
Abstract: The objective of this paper was to review the economic value of forest ecosystem services especially in maintaining and improving water quality and also to highlight the commonly applied techniques that are applied in the valuation of these economic values. The importance of natural forest ecosystems to human well-being cannot be overstated. What t...
Show More
Foreign Direct Investment an Engine for Development: Factors Determining Its Inflow to the Sudan
Emmanuel Pitia Zacharia Lado
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 5, October 2015
Pages:
81-89
Received:
19 August 2015
Accepted:
1 September 2015
Published:
14 September 2015
Abstract: The study was carried out to establish the possible factors that determine the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment into the Sudan. Using OLS and annual time series data for the period 1980 to 2011, the study established that variables that determine inflow of FDI both in the long-run and short-run for the Sudan are the market size and the level of development. While infrastructure development and financial sector development have been the determining factors for the FDI flow to the country in the long-run, they do not posses any effect on the FDI flow into the country in the short-run. Additionally, inflation as a proxy for macroeconomic instability and openness of the economy to the out side world have been effective in determining the inflow of the FDI to the Sudan in the short-run but do not have any impact on the FDI flow to the country in the long run. The ECM term in the short-run dynamics shows that FDI was above its equilibrium value and has been moving downwards towards its equilibrium value, however, with low speed of adjustment towards its equilibrium value. As much as the study succeeded in attaining its objectives, the study suffers from lack of data for some variables and this has reduced the findings of the study. Additionally, with the break away of southern part of the country (now South Sudan), coupled with the civil war in the country, Sudan is likely to lose out foreign investors.
Abstract: The study was carried out to establish the possible factors that determine the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment into the Sudan. Using OLS and annual time series data for the period 1980 to 2011, the study established that variables that determine inflow of FDI both in the long-run and short-run for the Sudan are the market size and the level of ...
Show More
