Preface
There has been an increase in interest in the use of cost−benefit analysis (CBA) in the natural resource sectors of the Pacific in recent years. Accompanying this has been an increased demand for expertise to carry out the analysis and numerous requests for training to increase national and sectoral staff skills in managing the CBA process. In the last three years, regional training activities in CBA have, for example, been delivered to support natural resource projects aimed at invasive species management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental conservation, food security and disaster risk mangement.
There is a wide variety of guides and manuals on CBA across the globe. However, until now, there has been no published document that brings together the steps of CBA with an emphasis on the Pacific region. This Guide is intended to fill that gap. It aims to support Pacific government and non-government organisations in their CBA activities, and to support training and capacity development in this area. The Guide is also intended to standardise approaches to CBA by the agencies involved − SPC, SPREP, PIFS, USP, GIZ, UNDP − so that practitioners receive consistent advice and support.
The Guide has been written from the perspective of supporting decisions in natural resource management sectors, but the principles apply broadly to all sectors of the economy and society.