Allocating environmental funds amongst competing regions: fairness, efficiency and transparency

摘要

In Australia, and across the globe, funding for public environmental programs is being increasingly invested through regional community groups. A common policy problem for State and National governments is determining allocations to competing regions. How should the pie be cut? Activities proposed within regions typically far exceed program funding, so prioritisation decisions cannot be avoided. Under such circumstances policy makers need allocation processes that are transparent, perceived as fair and provide best possible social returns. This needs to be achieved with political constraints and limited data availability. This paper explores a technique for supporting fund allocation decisions based on multiple criteria analysis (MCA). The technique is illustrated in Queensland, Australia where a set amount of funding is to be distributed amongst 13 regions to restore degraded ecosystems. It is shown to provide decision makers with an explicit tool for handling complex trade-offs amongst competing environmental objectives.