Biodiversity conservation in a dynamic world may lead to inefficiencies due to lock-in effects and path dependence

摘要: Abstract Although biodiversity is generally diminishing, in some areas its conservation expanding. However; the exact path of this expansion uncertain. This can lead to problems path-dependence and lock-in effects. Path dependence describes situations where history strongly influences present decisions effects refer an earlier decision provides strong incentives follow a particular path, even if more efficient alternatives are available later on. We develop conceptual ecological-economic model investigate which ecological economic parameters favour appearance efficiency losses due dynamic two-period two-region model. Generally we find that occur there signals guide first-period budget into region turns out be suboptimal both time periods had been considered right from beginning. To illustrate relevance our findings, potential through hypothetical case applying offsets conserving endangered Maculinea teleius butterfly near city Landau Germany.