Author(s)

E. A. Nuppenau

Abstract

Nature and human interests in ecosystems: on farmers and species interaction, nutrient recycling and scarcities in agricultural landscapes E. A. Nuppenau Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Giessen, Germany Abstract This paper discusses the potential for modeling nature and man in an exchange economy that comprises food, labor, land, and plant nutrients. The paper is habitat and landscape oriented and solves land conflicts, at least theoretically. (1) We discuss the need for exchange values in addition to human valuation of nature. (2) We review basic ideas of an exchange economy and its institutional setting; in particular, those of a principal-agent. (3) In a model we show how the assumption of this institution works in determining jointly human and nature exchange, values, and land use. Issues such as property rights, a nature objective, services to be exchanged, recycling, etc., will be introduced. (4) The principal-agent framework will deliver a mutually beneficial exchang

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