UNEP/IISD publication presents framework on poverty and ecosystems

“Exploring the links – Human well-being, poverty and ecosystem services” is the title of the publication edited by the United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) presenting a conceptual framework on poverty-ecosystem linkages and outlining a process through which the framework can be translated into concrete activities.

The main objectives of the publication are to demonstrate how human well-being is dependant on ecosystems and ecosystem services, identify barriers that prevent the poor from using these ecosystems and identify policies to remove these barriers, re-design or even introduce new intervention strategies to allow the poor to improve their well-being through an ecosystem approach. The conceptual framework presented in this publication presents an approach that countries can use in achieving the Millennium Development Goals in a sustainable manner.

The publication advocates the use of an integrated framework that can be included into policy-makers poverty reduction strategies drawing upon key principles developed by Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen which are considered as an appropriate frame of reference to reduce poverty through an ecosystem approach.

To download the publication please click here.