Unveiling the Science of Eco-Conservation: Professor Goff's Innovative Research on Landowner Behavior

Explore the groundbreaking research of Associate Professor of Economics Sandra Goff, who has received a $369,999 grant from the National Science Foundation to study how and why landowners engage in conservation efforts. This ambitious project, co-led with Associate Professor Matt Williamson, will delve into the complexities of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs to discover what drives landowners to conserve their lands.

Unlocking Landowner Motivations

Goff and Williamson aim to unlock the motivations behind landowners engaging with PES programs, which offer financial compensation for ecological services like carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Despite the global popularity of these programs, much remains unknown about what influences landowner participation.

A Unique Research Approach

The study is set to utilize both general public and landowner experimental trials to examine decision-making processes. Participants will take on the role of forest landowners in a game that replicates real-world financial incentives. Players will decide whether to conserve or harvest their land, with real monetary outcomes influencing their decisions. This trial will provide insights into how financial incentives can motivate—or demotivate—conservation behavior.

Simulation and Complex Behaviors

Once data from the initial studies are collected, Goff and Williamson will employ agent-based modeling to simulate individual behaviors within a virtual ecosystem. This approach allows them to explore the nuanced dynamics of PES uptake and its ecological impact, unveiling unexpected patterns and outcomes.

Bridging Economics and Ecology

The collaboration of economics and ecology expertise is key to this project. Goff, raised amidst Maine’s abundant forests, acknowledges the significant role her home state plays in the study due to its vast privately owned forest lands. The research will not only contribute to understanding landscape dynamics but also support the development of more effective and sustainable PES programs.

As stated in Bates College, this research aims to transform how policymakers and organizations approach conservation, utilizing concrete data to optimize PES programs. Upon completion, Goff and Williamson plan to share their findings through educational briefs and software tools, guiding future conservation initiatives.

This revolutionary study is poised to impact the realm of eco-conservation, encouraging a deeper, more informed approach to preserving our planet’s natural resources.