Problems of Environmental Economics : record of the seminar held at the OECD in summer 1971

As soon as a "Central Analysis and Economic Evaluation Unit" had been set up in the Environment Directorate in June, 1971, it was de cided to organise a Seminar on environmental economics.

The object of the Seminar, which was held at the OECD from June to August, 1971, was to supply the Unit with a maximum of knowledge in a minimum of time and to help it to chart the main problems raised by environmental economics in order to give the Secretariat the back ground required for studying empirical problems. As this discipline is of quite recent origin, research in it is still scattered and there is a need to know who does what.

Accordingly, some 25 participants representing the most advanced researchers and practical authorities took part in turn in discussing three selected subjects:

1. problems and instruments of environmental cost allocation;

2. methods of analysis and environmental indicators; 3. international problems.

About a fortnight was devoted to each subject and from 5 to 8 specialists in the questions concerned took part, together with Mem bers of the Secretariat, including the Central Unit.

An effective method of working was adopted.

After the inaugural meeting a number of specific subjects were chosen and participants were invited to write papers on them. During this period of "gestation" (four to six days) there were short daily meetings to help in marshalling ideas. Once the papers were ready, they were thoroughly discussed and participants could revise their papers in the light of the conclusions arrived at.