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.
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.
News related to nature conservation
National hunting associations across Europe
FACE brings together national hunters’ associations from 37 European countries.
