Posts in this category are about Value-Added Production. Resource-dependent communities have historically captured little of the enormous wealth that has flowed through them. They have simply extracted raw materials, creating relatively few jobs while remaining at the mercy of external market forces and owners. Most of the economic value has been generated elsewhere.

In contrast, Local Economies are able to turn raw resources, both local and imported, into a wide range of products and services. Such economies can effectively harness skilled labor and specialized equipment to add many layers of value to every tree, fish, mineral, or crop. They provide more economic activity – and therefore more jobs – per unit of resources, decreasing pressure on Natural Capital and enhancing Social Equity.

(Adapted from ConservationEconomy.net)