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ABSTRACT
Different mixes of the same policy attributes at different levels can deliver different ecological and social results. The prediction and assessment of policy impacts can help policy makers make better decision. Using the results of a contingent behaviour study, the ability of alternative policy instruments to reduce stocking rates in Inner Mongolia to levels that are regarded as ecologically sustainable is assessed. The policy mixes that are shown to satisfy the ecological criteria are then ranked using a choice model in terms of their utility relative to what the current policy mix provides herders. Only, policy mixes that combine incentives (such as increased pensions, more generous loan provisions and greater subsidies) with penalties (including increased monitoring and enforcement of stocking rate rules) are able to achieve both the stocking rate reduction and herder utility improvement goals.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 The ASC accounts for any variation across choices that is not explained by the attributes and the social-economic characteristics.
2 These benefits may include reductions in the incidence of sand storms experienced and improvements in the aesthetics of the grasslands (Zhang, Bennett, and Qiao Citation2019).