From: D
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2017 1:51 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Nature Preserves Under Anarchism
Hi Walter, Can a nature preserve exist in an anarcho-capitalist society? By the definition of this term, a nature preserve cannot have any human labor mixed with it. So it seems that it will always be unowned and therefore capable of being homesteaded (and developed, thereby ceasing to be a preserve) by someone else. In addition, if it stays unowned, it will be unmanaged and uncared for and so may suffer the tragedy of the commons. But what if a small preserve could be a profitable business if it could come to be owned? The owner could gain by selling tickets or licenses for outdoor activities, hunting, or scientific research on wildlife. What if such use is in fact the most socially valuable for a given tract of land? Thanks, D
Dear D: I have already co-published a libertarian analysis of this issue; I suggest you read it:
Block, Walter E. and Michael R. Edelstein. 2012. “Popsicle sticks and homesteading land for nature preserves.” Romanian Economic and Business Review. Vol. 7, No. 1, Spring, pp. 7-13; http://www.rebe.rau.ro/REBE%207%201.pdf
If you still have questions, do get back to me.
4:42 pm on September 21, 2017
