Symposium: Linking biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction

28 - 29 Apr 2010 – 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Linking biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction: what, why and how? - A two-day ZSL symposium.

Linking biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction composite images
The links between environment and development have long been discussed, but only recently has this discussion focused specifically on the possible links between biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction.

In 2002, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted a target 'to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth'. It is clear that biodiversity loss will continue beyond 2010. However, even if conservation efforts are successful would they really contribute to poverty reduction?

There is a variety of opinion as to the nature and scale of biodiversity conservation–poverty reduction links. The current state of knowledge will be explored and key research gaps and practical needs that will really maximise the synergies between these two challenging international policy objectives will be highlighted.

Organised by Dilys Roe (IIED), Matt Walpole (UNEP-WCMC) and Joanna Elliott (AWF).

Linking biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction symposium - abstracts of talks and posters presented (1.2 MB)