LIVEDIVERSE

Sustainable Livelihoods and Biodiversity in Riparian Areas in Developing Countries

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'LiveDiverse (LD) will develop new knowledge on the interactions between human livelihood and biodiversity in riparian and aquatic contexts in four developing countries (Vietnam, India, South Africa, Costa Rica). It has a strong emphasis on dissemination and the constructive engagement of a broad selection of social groups and their governmental and non-governmental representatives. The analysis of biodiversity values, sustainable use and livelihoods (biodiversity governance) within the project adopts vulnerability as a unifying concept, taking the point of departure in the concepts of biodiversity and livelihood vulnerability. Vulnerability will be considered from a combination of bio-physical, socio-economic and cultural/spiritual perspectives, where human ability to conserve and husband biodiversity while at the same time achieving sustainable livelihoods is of vital importance. The analyses of areas will analyse vulnerability in terms of biophysical, socio-economic- legal, and cultural/spiritual issues. Maps of these three perspectives will then be constructed in each case study and incorporated into a GIS system. These maps will identify biodiversity and livelihood ‘hot-spots’, that is, places where there is a high risk (according to natural science criteria), and a low capability (according to the socio-economic, law and policy criteria). Finally, biodiversity and livelihood scenarios will be developed. These scenarios will take into account the main perspectives; biological diversity risk, socio economic ability and cultural perceptions to cope with effects of this risk. Working in a 15-year perspective, the scenarios will examine future possible trends, threats and developments in order to formulate strategies and policy to meet the needs of both biodiversity and livelihoods.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Is it possible to promote economic development without sacrificing the environment? European experts travelled to the far reaches of the globe to find out.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Since the beginning of civilisation, mankind has favoured areas near water to call home. Exploitation of the local natural resources puts a strain on these sensitive ecosystems, never more so than today. Unfortunately, we have yet to find the ideal balance between making a living and protecting the environment. This is why a comprehensive investigation has been undertaken in the context of the 'Sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity in riparian areas in developing countries' (Livediverse) project.

Funding from the EU has helped make case studies spanning three continents possible. A key focus of the visits to riparian settlements in Costa Rica, India, South Africa and Vietnam has been to connect directly with locals. The result has been a better understanding of how livelihood impacts biodiversity and vice versa.

In addition, environmental data as well as information regarding relevant governmental policy has been collected and organised in an online library on the Livediverse website. This data was used to develop an environmental vulnerability index (EVI) capable of capturing the critical elements of each case study. Work is underway to produce maps of the EVI using geographical information system software.

The scope of Livediverse was not limited to the science of biodiversity. Socioeconomic as well as cultural and spiritual aspects are also being analysed. It is hoped that this holistic approach will provide the insight necessary to make effective policy recommendations.

The efforts to share the knowledge acquired during Livediverse cover the full range of media, including three short videos describing the project which are available online.