IUCN - The World Conversation Union

Current globalization trends are sometimes seen as enemies of the environment and the poor. But markets, trade and business can and must be utilized in order to halt the loss of biodiversity and eradicate poverty. Rising social and environmental expectations from consumers, investors, governments and NGOs require broad changes in markets, business, economic policy and institutions. Harnessing global economic trends to work for -- instead of against -- species conservation must be a priority if the more direct causes of biodiversity loss are to be controlled. How to balance the benefits of trade against environmental risk? How to reduce illegal trade in natural resources? How to use environmental fiscal reforms, economic instruments and market-based incentives for biodiversity conservation and rural development? These are some of the questions that must be explored for addressing underlying causes of biodiversity loss and poverty.

Asia

• Investigating the delivery of ecosystem economic benefits for upland livelihoods and downstream water users in India and Nepal
• Rewarding the upland poor for the environmental services they provide (RUPES)
• Pro-Poor Mechanisms for Financing Protected Areas in South Asia (planned)

West Africa

• A 5 years program with the GEF, IDA, EU on local economic value of biodiversity in Guinea-Bissau, with a focus on women and local use of natural products
• VALEURS - The Economic Value of Wild Resources in Senegal

Southern Africa

• Economic Change, Poverty and Environment (ECPE) - Riemvasmaak Community Project
• Development of a pro-poor natural products sector

TRAFFIC

• Trade and resource security: To ensure the security of wildlife resources of particular value for food and medicine, and to support other human needs.