Economic analyses of the advantages and disadvantages of major public projects should occupy a central place at the heart of the debates, conflicts and negotiations surrounding such projects. The approaches used to assess the need for a project, and therefore its scale, costs, benefits and so-called “external” effects on the environment have long been subject to debate. There is no magic formula to ensure a perfectly informed and balanced debate, and practices vary considerably from one case to another.


What is the purpose of economic evaluations? [Video in FRENCH] - Bernard Chevassus-au-Louis

What is the purpose of economic evaluations? [Video in FRENCH] - Michel Badré

This session of the Sustainable Development and Environmental Economics Seminar will explain the terms of these debates that combine economic efficiency, land-use planning and environmental credentials, and will question the relevance - both methodological and substantial - of these impact studies, through the analysis of two high profile cases: Notre-Dame-des-Landes and green algae. Two leading experts who have produced reports for the government on these subjects will give invaluable testimony, through feedback and analysis.

Michel Badré, member of the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council, one of the three government-appointed mediators on the Notre-Dame-des-Landes case, and former president of the Environmental Authority, will explain his interpretation of the project’s economic analyses. Bernard

Chevassus-au-Louis, Inspector General of Agriculture, President of Humanité et Biodiversité, and responsible for many reports, and also inspection and preparatory tasks, will present his analysis of the green algae case. Yann Laurans, IDDRI’s Biodiversity Programme Director, and author of research projects on the use of economic evaluations, will chair the discussions.