Non-Market Valuation in South Asia (Routledge Explorations in Environmental Studies)

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and issues concerning the economic valuation of natural resources.

The authors present methods and tools that can help in designing policies and frameworks for the sustainable use of natural resources. This is followed by an exploration of the use and non-use values provided by environmental resources, as well as reviewing the current environmental valuation techniques. Furthermore, the authors use meta-analysis to explore a range of South Asia–based case studies, including India and Bangladesh. Using this empirical evidence, they detail the various imperfections, challenges and prospects in the area of management and allocation of environmental resources, conservation of environmental biodiversity and sustainability. This book will serve as a useful reference for academics and analysts in developed and developing countries working in the areas of environmental economics, green economics and sustainable development.

It is also intended to encourage practitioners and managers in industry to deepen and expand upon their theoretical and practical understanding of the prevailing challenges associated with enhancing ecosystem services, improved solid waste management and restoring biodiversity of environmental resources.

Mohammad Younus Bhat holds a PhD in economics, with specialisation in environmental valuation and choice modelling. The application of econometric valuation techniques to biodiversity loss (environmental assets) and conservation through the adoption of cutting-edge mitigation strategies to restore sustainable biodiversity of ecosystems are his main research interests, which are closely linked to the Himalayan region. He recently published a book outlining the relationship between energy vulnerability and biodiversity loss, as well as the challenges and opportunities in preserving environmental biodiversity, renewable energy efficiency, ecological chains and human living standards. His current research project uses economic valuation methodologies to address the conservation of alpha, beta and gamma natural biological Himalayan biodiversity. It is carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resource and Development and is financed by the IMPRESS initiative. Dr Bhat had visiting positions at the Amity School of Biotechnology, Amity School of Food Technology and Amity School of Economics before joining University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES). He was also affiliated with Jamia Millia Islamia. Dr Bhat’s research is painstakingly focused on measuring the spatial effects of climate change on the current levels of Himalayan biodiversity (with regard to National Parks and Wetlands), the relationship between energy and economic growth and the adoption of electric vehicles in India. Furthermore, he is interested in studying the reciprocal relationships between “eco-tourism” in the Himalayan regions and the financial support provided by central institutions such as Ministry of Education (MoE), Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), and Department of Science and Technology (DST), as well as local power structures, in order to provide appropriate growth strategies and facilitate the transition of local Himalayan communities towards sustainable economic growth.