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We all depend on biodiversity for the goods and services it provides, but this is particularly the case for those living in poverty. An estimated 800 million people living in poverty depend directly on natural habitats for their survival.
However, the links between poverty and conservation are not always straightforward and can be both positive and negative. Poverty is only one of a number of factors that can contribute to biodiversity loss. The way conservation programmes are implemented, and the context in which they operate, help to determine their role in poverty reduction.
FFI is actively engaging in the Poverty and Conservation Learning Group, exploring the links between biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction. We are also a founder member of the Conservation Initiative on Human Rights (CIHR) that aims to improve the practice of conservation by ensuring that participating organisations integrate human rights into their work.
Truly sustainable conservation must integrate the livelihoods of people in developing countries. Poverty is not just about having too little money and food. It is disadvantage and the lack of voice, opportunity and ability to withstand shocks.
Addressing poverty means reducing vulnerability, building skills and understanding, opening doors to wider networks and empowering people to govern their resources sustainably. The agendas and methods of the development and conservation sectors must increasingly converge, to the benefit of both.
The poor will be those first and worst affected by climate change, which will have knock-on effects on biodiversity. For example, desertification will lead to increased pressure on remaining wild living resources such as forests and may even trigger mass migrations. Efforts to mitigate climate change, such as growing biofuels, will also impact the poorest the most.
“If you value the natural world, if you believe it should be conserved for its own sake as well as for humanity’s, then do please support FFI.” Sir David Attenborough, FFI Vice President. Please support us today.
FFI’s world-renowned conservation journal, Oryx, is packed with scientific papers, conservation news, comment and discussion. Receive Oryx by joining FFI today.
