Sumeet Gulati, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Abstract
This presentation explores how political representation affects the allocation of environmental disaster relief. Using data from Himachal Pradesh, India, we show that tribal communities are disproportionately affected by wildlife attacks but receive less compensation than non-tribal groups. However, villages led by tribal representatives receive higher compensation per incident, and payouts increase with the share of tribal population. These findings underscore the role of political reservation in promoting equity in disaster relief distribution.
Bio
Sumeet Gulati is a Professor in Food and Resource Economics, at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, UBC. In his research he studies the economics of wildlife conservation, and of urban transportation. In his current research Sumeet focuses on wildlife conflict for farmers living in proximity to protected reserves in India. He has a special interest in determining the drivers of conflict that causes human injury and death.