Economics of Hunting

Hunting is an important socio-economic activity, particularly in rural areas. Recent research reports have suggested that within the EU alone hunting may be worth an estimated €16 billion.¹

This apart from being an estimate does not capture the complexity of values that can be added, derived or offset from hunting activities. These values could include:

Direct economic benefits – Payments by hunters towards hunting fees, equipment accommodation etc.
Environmental benefits – These include aspects related to conservation activities, ecosystem retention and management.
Social benefits – Hunting is often a very important social and cultural activity in many rural areas which has value in binding communities as well as offering useful social integration tools.
Future bequest benefits – Hunting helps retain a link to rural areas and an understanding of ecosystem functioning that serves to retain cultural knowledge and understanding for future generations.
Opportunity costs – These are related mainly to the costs that would be incurred by Governments in managing wildlife populations and paying for damages incurred by these populations.

PAYMENTS FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES [ EN – DE – FR ]

Learn more:

FACE’s commitment on Ecosystem services in The Biodiversity Manifesto
MAES: Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services
TEEB: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity – www.teebweb.org
The Commission on the Economics of Biodiversity

(1) Kenward, R. & Sharp, R. (2008) Use Nationally of Wildlife Resources Across Europe, 117-132.: in Manos, P. & Papathanasiou, J. [eds.] (2008) GEM-CON-BIO: Governance & Ecosystems Management for the Conservation of Biodiversity. Thessaloniki.

THE ECONOMICS OF HUNTING IN EUROPE [ EN – DE – FR ]