NAME: STEPHANIE ACHEAMPONG

ENVIRONMENTAL DISCUSSION FORUM

QUESTIONS

Consider the following case studies

Case 1: Reforestation Effort in Brazil

In an effort to encourage good reforestation practices, timber policies in Brazil charge a tax on
wood consumption except when the harvesting is offset by equivalent reforestation. Recognizing
insufficient resources to oversee reforestation directly, Brazil has chosen to forego revenues from
timber sales so long as the cuts are properly replanted. However, the programme has generally
failed. The tax on wood consumption is set too low to make it worthwhile for the foresters to
replant. In any event, the programme is poorly enforced so that foresters rarely pay the tax at all.
Monitoring is difficult, especially in frontier regions. Those forestry fees that were collected
usually go to pay administrative costs rather than support the environmental purposes for which
they had originally been intended (Source: UNEP, 2004. Also in UNEP, 2009).

Case 2: Soil Conservation in the Dominican Republic

In the El Naranjal watershed in the Dominican Republic, US AID funds provided subsidized
credit to participating farmers adopting soil conservation measures. Initial adoption rates were
quite high (90 percent in 1985), yet by 1990, only half of the farms continued to practice the
conservation measures, as the subsidies had stopped. As further subsidies were expected, farmers
actually delayed rational conservation measures in order to wait for the payment. The follow-on
project of US AID recognized that the farms were already receiving tremendous benefits in the
form of subsidized irrigation water. This second project tied continued access to subsidized water
to the proper adoption of soil conservation measures. The result has been substantial use of
conservation techniques without additional direct subsidies. (Source: UNEP, 2004; UNEP 2009)

For each of these cases

(i) What can you identify as the problem and/or solution?

(ii) What lessons can be learned for the effective formulation of environmental policies?

(iii) What message can you take for your own country's case (relate this to a particular
environmental or resource problem in your country)?

ANSWERS

Case 1: Brazil's Reforestation Effort

(i) Problem: The issue in this case is insufficient reforestation as a result of low tax rates and
poor enforcement. The low tax rates make replanting after harvesting unappealing for foresters,
and ineffective enforcement means foresters seldom pay the fee.

Solution: To remedy this, Brazil may explore boosting wood consumption taxes to make
replanting more financially appealing to foresters. In addition, they must greatly strengthen
enforcement operations to assure tax compliance.

Lessons for Efficient Environmental Policy

Adequate Taxation: Striking a balance between economic activity and environmental

preservation, appropriate taxation is essential in environmental policy. Taxes on polluting or
resource-depleting activities create financial incentives for eco-friendly choices, stimulate
sustainable technologies, and generate revenue for environmental initiatives. However,
policymakers must avoid excessive taxation to prevent economic burdens and address regressive
impacts.

Strong Enforcement: Effective environmental policy relies on rigorous enforcement measures.

Strong enforcement acts as a deterrent, ensures compliance with environmental regulations, and
fosters accountability within industries. It encompasses monitoring, penalties, and incentives,
while also involving communities and stakeholders to maintain transparency and equitable
standards across industries for sustainable practice

Message for My Country; Ghana: It is critical to determine if current tax rates and enforcement
practices in our nation are adequate to successfully promote conservation initiatives in response
to a particular environmental concern, such as deforestation. It could be essential to adjust these
variables to meet environmental objectives.

Case 2: Soil Conservation in the Dominican Republic

(i) Problem: Farmers put off implementing soil conservation practices because they anticipated
receiving further subsidies, which eventually resulted in a decrease in conservation efforts.

Solution: The appropriate adoption of soil conservation techniques was linked to the continuation
of access to subsidized resources, such as water. Farmers have a constant motivation to continue
their conservation efforts because to this.

(ii) Lessons for Environmental Policies That Work:

Long-term compliance in environmental policies can be effectively fostered by aligning

incentives with desired ecological behaviors. Offering rewards that directly correlate with
environmentally responsible actions creates a powerful motivation for individuals and businesses
to consistently prioritize sustainability.

Furthermore, a sustainable approach involves implementing conditional access to vital resources,

reducing the need for continuous subsidies. By tying access to resource availability with
adherence to environmental standards, this strategy not only ensures ongoing commitment to
conservation but also promotes self-sufficiency and resilience in the pursuit of environmental
goals, making environmental policies more effective and enduring

(iii) Message for Ghana: In our country, for a similar issue like soil erosion or agricultural
sustainability, it's advisable to structure policies that tie access to critical resources, such as
irrigation water or land, to the implementation of sustainable practices. This approach can help
maintain consistent environmental efforts and discourage reliance on continuous subsidies.