The Earthscan Reader in Poverty and Biodiversity Conservation

Description

In the last decade biodiversity loss and persistent poverty in developing countries have been recognised as major international problems that require urgent attention. However, the nature and scale of the links between these two problems, and between efforts to address them, has been the subject of much heated debate. Understanding the different elements of this debate is critical if we are to move towards constructive solutions. This Reader provides a guide to, and commentary on, the different strands of the current conservation-poverty debate through a selection of key readings from both the conservation and development literature including policy documents, journal articles and reports. The breadth of material will help readers, including both students and professionals, to locate current debates within their wider contexts. Among the areas of debate covered are: ' The lack of attention to biodiversity concerns in international development policy ' The social implications of protectionist conservation policy ' The roles and responsibilities of conservation NGOs towards local communities ' The links between climate change, biodiversity and poverty reduction, and in particular the implication of discussions around reduced emissions from deforestation (REDD) as a climate change mitigation strategy.

Dilys Roe is a Senior Researcher in the Natural Resources Group at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), London, UK. Joanna Elliott is Vice President for Program Design and Knowledge Management at the African Wildlife Foundation.

'We are at the threshold of an exciting but fraught new paradigm that compels conservation NGOs to shift from the notion that nature must be protected from people, to embracing the realization that natural systems must be conserved for people. This timely and important book is a must read for all who are ready to explore and examine the challenging new frontier that links conservation with human well-being.' Steve McCormick, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, USA 'Biodiversity provides essential goods and services that people everywhere - above all poor people -- depend on. And it helps people cope with change and manage risk. Yet too often development erodes biodiversity, and too often conservation has been promoted without engaging poor people and without caring for their needs and rights. This book provides a valuable toolkit that will assist all those seeking to eradicate poverty, conserve biodiversity, and manage the trade-offs between these fundamental goals.' David Cooper, Secretariat, Convention on Biological Diversity 'This book provides a stark reminder that one group's biosphere is another group's backyard. The rich biodiversity of our forests, coasts, and grasslands stands in contrast with the poverty of the people living there. The plants, people, and animals in these landscapes are inextricably connected. In this outstanding reader leading experts describe and debate those connections. No easy answers here, but who said life was simple. This is definitely worth the read.' David Kaimowitz, Ford Foundation 'The collection of writings thoroughly explains the complex relationships between conservation and poverty reduction.i? It is possible to imagine motivated and careful readers to become well enough informed after finishing this book to work in the field i? or want to.' Crosslands: Bulletin on Business, Law and the Environment The editors have drawn together a galaxy of authors who bring expertise on all aspects of biodiversity loss, conservation, poverty and its alleviation. In fact the book may be regarded as a manual on these two subjects with a wealth of references, experiences and perspectives.' Professor John Hodges, AGRI 'The breadth of material will help readers, including students and professionals, to locate current debates within their wider contexts.' Abstracts of Public Administration, Development, and Environment.