[pp.9-20]
Masashi KONOSHIMA (University of the Ryukyus)
Abstract:
Loss of biodiversity as a result of habitat degradation will lead to disruption of ecosystem services, cause enormous economic and environmental damage, and pose a severe threat to future generations. In this study we analyze economic incentives designed to alter land use decisions in a manner that avoids habitat degradation and disruption of habitat connectivity. We apply a multi-agent model to a hypothetical landscape to explore the impact of economic incentives on spatial habitat patterns. Our simulation results show that introducing appropriately designed incentives to help coordinate land use decisions among agents will lead to land use patterns that maintain habitat connectivity.
Key Word:
economic incentive, GIS, habitat preservation, multi-agent model, spatial model