Article Detail
Title:	Maximizing Conservation in Pangaea
Author:	Dr. Kent D Messer 531 S. College Ave. #226 University of Delaware Newark, DE 19717 messer@udel.edu
Discipline:	Environmental Science
Keywords:	Benefit Targeting, Binary Linear Programming, Conservation, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, Environmental Preservation, Strategic Planning
Abstract:	This problem engages students as directors of a land conservation organization in the process of strategically selecting which lands should be protected in a hypothetical land called Pangaea. Students must allocate limited financial resources in a manner that yields the best possible environmental outcomes. The problems start out simple and then build in complexity. By the end of the problem, students will have learned why the most common approach used by conservation organizations yields suboptimal aggregate environmental results. The problem shows students how alternative, science-based methods can yield dramatically improved results that help ensure better environmental outcomes. This problem is targeted to undergraduate and Master-level student in course related to environmental policy, environmental economics, and natural resource management.
Date Submitted:	3/11/2011
Revision Submitted:	5/17/2011
Date Accepted:	6/8/2011
Date Published:	8/10/2012
Article content:	Maximizing_Conservation_in_Pangeae.pdf