Oviedo, Gonzalo

This book looks at the rationale for addressing the links between conservation and poverty reduction, arguing that such a focus is both ethically essential and a source of opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of multiple scales and negotiating trade-offs between scales and tackles the complex issue of institutional landscapes and the way in which changes at various institutional levels can lead to different and more positive outcomes.

It is today widely acknowledged both by the development and conservation communities that a vital relationship exists between the sound management of ecosystems, the determinants of poverty and the effectiveness of poverty alleviation efforts. Although levels of vulnerability remain high in urban areas, the relationship is closer still in rural settings where the majority of poor remain largely dependent upon the productivity and sustainability of natural ecosystems.

IUCN worked together with IUED on this new publication which aims at providing a better understanding of the links between conservation of natural resources and poverty reduction.

Conventional approaches to managing protected areas have often seen people and nature as separate entities. They preclude human communities from using natural resources and assume that their concerns are incompatible with conservation. Protected area approaches and models that see conservation as compatible with human communities are explored. The main themes are co-managed protected areas and community conserved areas. Practical guidance is offered, drawing on recent experience, reflections and advice developed at the local, national, regional and international level.

How can we successfully conserve what remains of the world's rapidly diminishing natural and semi-natural areas? Although more and more land and water surface is protected many vital ecosystems are under-represented, and traditional conservation methods are often ineffective. New approaches are urgently needed. This book sets out ways to safeguard all the major ecosystems and explores innovative management partnerships involving individuals, communities, companies and governments.