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Economics, employment and the environment
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Economics, employment and the environment

The RSPB Belfast Lough nature reserve

Economics plays a crucial role in the RSPB's conservation policy work. When we propose changes in Government policy, it is important to understand any costs involved, and any possible impacts on the economy. Economic analysis is crucial to our work to reform many of the policies that affect wildlife, such as the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.

The RSPB uses economic assessment to back up virtually all areas of its conservation policy work, such as agriculture, wetlands, fisheries and water, regional development, energy, transport and climate change, international trade and development. These provide the mainstay of the work of the RSPB's three-strong Economics team.

In addition, the Economics team leads on particular economic issues, including:

  • Green taxes and economic instruments
  • Environment, conservation and local economies
  • Economic evaluation of the environment
  • Biodiversity costings 
  • Regional economies and the environment