Balancing the returns to catchment management: The economic value of conserving natural forests in Sekong, Lao PDR

A study on the economic returns of conserving forests in Sekong, Laos. The study explores the costs to Laos if natural forest regeneration (NFR) schemes were not undertaken. The study aims to determine the benefits from naturally regenerated forests. The report consists of five parts. The first provides a brief background of the study of Sekong province, including forest resources. The second part discusses the objectives of the study. The third presents the economic framework and methodologies used for estimating the various economic values being measured for Sekong forests. The fourth details the results of the study and provides estimates of the various economic value components. Finally, the fifth draws broad conclusions and recommendations from the study results.