Environmentalism Without Law: Modern Conservation Efforts in the Shadow of Official Action
This Note explores the role of economic theories in advancing conservation efforts, particularly through the lens of the Northern Jaguar Project (“NJP”) and its initiatives in the United States and northern Mexico. With the mounting need for more effective conservation in the United States, this Note illuminates how non- governmental organizations (“NGOs”) can be a complementary addition to government efforts by employing private conservation strategies to safeguard endangered species, notably jaguars. Central to this analysis is the application of Coasean bargaining theory, which explains how the NJP has successfully navigated negotiations with ranchers to protect jaguars, demonstrating a nuanced application of economic principles to environmental conservation.
By framing the NJP’s conservation strategy as a model of private bargaining, this Note argues for the effectiveness of leveraging economic theories to achieve environmental goals. It highlights the efficiency of such approaches in creating mutually beneficial outcomes between conservationists and local stakeholders, emphasizing the potential for economic theory to guide practical conservation efforts.
Moreover, this Note critiques certain governmental actions, like the construction of the U.S.–Mexico border wall, for their adverse effects on wildlife conservation. It suggests that such initiatives overlook the intricate balance achieved through private conservation efforts, underscoring the importance of integrating economic insights into environmental policymaking.
In conclusion, this Note advocates for a more collaborative approach between the public and private sectors in conservation and suggests that economic theories like Coasean bargaining offer a robust framework for addressing contemporary environmental challenges. By tapping into the synergy between economic theory and conservation practice, it posits a future where environmental efforts are both effective and adaptive, guided by the principles of mutual benefit and collaborative engagement.Brielle Hadley
