1 ORGS · 10 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Economics of Beauty

By quantifying the economic value of natural landscapes, advocate for conservation over industrial development, because policymakers respond more effectively to financial data than ecological or aesthetic arguments alone. This strategy leverages economic valuation—such as tourism revenue and demographic migration patterns—to demonstrate that preserving natural beauty generates greater long-term financial returns than industrial exploitation. It distinguishes itself from other conservation approaches by speaking the language of economics to influence policy, rather than relying solely on environmental ethics or biodiversity arguments.

1
orgs running it
10
activities of those orgs
8
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 1

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Collaborate on infrastructure and interpretive projects FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    direct service
    Partners with the Coronado National Forest on facility improvements and educational infrastructure, including the development of the Bud Gode Interpretive Nature Trail, Amphitheater Bridge Project, and repairs to the Visitor Information Station.
  • Conduct trail maintenance and restoration FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    direct service
    Performs regular trail maintenance and restoration in Madera Canyon, including clearing fallen trees, repairing trails and steps, mending stone features in picnic areas, and conducting monthly trail walks to identify issues such as damage or graffiti.
  • Maintain memorial features FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    direct service
    Dedicated an Honor and Memory wall in 2015 to commemorate individuals and preserve community history.
  • Manage invasive species and habitat protection FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    direct service
    Identifies and plans for invasive species control in Madera Canyon, with Yellow Bluestem grass highlighted as a major focus for the current year.
  • Manage organizational administration and finances FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    capacity building
    Handles full financial operations including accounting system management, IRS audits, compliance with Arizona Corporate Commission, tax preparation with a CPA, and production of monthly and annual financial statements.
  • Operate Visitor Information Station FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    direct service
    Volunteers staff a Visitor Information Station at the Proctor Road entrance to Madera Canyon, greeting visitors, providing safety and facility information, distributing literature, answering questions, and serving as a liaison to US Forest Service personnel.
  • Organize public outreach and community events FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    direct service
    Exhibits at regional events such as the Tucson Festival of Books, Tubac Festival of the Arts, Sahuarita Spooktacular, and Fiesta at Tumacacori to promote awareness of Madera Canyon and the organization’s work; also plans and hosts annual "Music in the Canyon" concerts on four Sundays in spring 2025.
  • Provide environmental education and guided programs FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    direct service
    Offers docent-led educational programs for school and community groups, including 4th grade walks, high school, scouting, and homeschool field trips, and participates in regional events like the Tucson Audubon Birding Festival and Hawk Watch to educate the public about Madera Canyon.
  • Publish historical and educational materials FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    research
    Produces and distributes informational materials, including brochures placed at 15 distribution points in Madera Canyon, and published "A History of Madera Canyon."
  • Support volunteer engagement and recognition FRIENDS OF MADERA CANYON
    capacity building
    Engages skilled volunteers, particularly active retirees, in professional-level roles; provides name tags for members and recognizes long-term service through honorary status updates.