Resource economists study interactions between economic and natural systems, with the goal of developing a sustainable and efficient economy. Our department focuses on issues related to the spectrum of natural resource and environmental management, with particular strengths in fisheries, the marine environment, associated coastal watersheds and terrestrial systems, and international trade.

The mission of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (ENRE) is to study and to help others learn about:

1. The social and institutional structures, policies and procedures for effective management and sustainable development of marine, coastal and terrestrial environments and ecosystems;
2. The sustainable development, management, use of natural resources and the markets in which they are exchanged;
3. The consequences of natural resource development, management, use and markets on society, quality of life, and the environment.

ENRE will emphasize environmental and natural resource issues and policies relevant to Rhode Island and Southern New England, and will address matters of national and global importance. ENRE will place a high value on scholarly research, graduate student training, experiential education and outreach. We will link with other environmental programs within the University in a multi-disciplinary effort when such interactions are warranted, and provide a framework through which our internationally known program can interact with other institutions nationally and globally.

The document below highlights the major milestones in the program from 1950-present.

• ENRE Milestones

The annual letter from ENRE Department Chair.

• 2006 Annual Letter