The Economics of Resource and Environmental Management

Abstract

Resource and environmental management are topics of growing worldwide concern. Latin America is no exception to this and the countries in the region are placing increasing importance on the improved management of environmental resources. Environmental problems include both traditional pollution-related issues, largely revolving around air and water, as well as the equally complex issues of renewable and nonrenewable resources management. Whereas pollution issues are major urban concerns, resource management problems are more commonly found in rural areas. Of course, exceptions exist to this generalization. Polluted water in rural areas has major health and productivity effects. Similarly, the management of groundwater as a potentially renewable resource is a major urban problem in a number of countries.