Svend Jespersen

Arbejdspapir 2000:2

Abstract
In the last ten years nature conservation efforts have increased significantly as have the costs associated with these efforts. However, empirical analyses of the way spending on nature conservation projects is distributed on the various purposes of the nature management has so far been scarce. This paper demonstrates how simple multiple linear regression analysis can be applied to evaluate the cost-efficiency of nature conservation projects. It is found that the outdoor-life projects which contribute with circa 20 per cent of total spending, and which have only recreational and educational purposes are not located in the most population-rich areas. There is thus evidence that the recreational and educational goals of the effort could be achieved at lower costs than the current administration. There is also some evidence that the aquatic environment does not affect the priority of the nature conservation projects.