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IN THE CORRIDORS

Discussion of methodologies for proper valuation of the multiple benefits of forests prompted a plethora of reactions, from praise to confusion, over the multitude of econometric models presented in the Secretary General’s report. Some delegates noted that the report was not explicit enough in suggesting practical ways to integrate theoretical economic calculations into national accounting systems for forestry and land- use planning. Others questioned the very utility of econometric models, stating that, while suitable perhaps for guiding macro-policies, such models do not describe village-level economics, where land-use decisions occur daily.