Since 1993, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has sought to promote and foster access to genetic resources, as well as the fair and equitable distribution of the benefits resulting from such access. The most important result has been the establishment, in October 2014, of The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of … [Read more...] about Brazil Shares Biodiversity Benefits
Three ways communities can help monitor projects
In our previous post we noted how participatory monitoring helps generate more trust between communities and companies with potentially controversial projects. But there are right ways to carry out these joint monitoring exercises. We’ve boiled down our experience at the IDB into three key tips that can provide a starting point for participatory monitoring. Don’t … [Read more...] about Three ways communities can help monitor projects
What is participatory monitoring and how does it help prevent conflicts
The first part of a two-part blog series on using community members to monitor projects. Participatory monitoring is the term used to refer to engaging community members in overseeing the projects that impact their lives. It is typically used in projects that: Can potentially have significant negative environmental and social impacts (i.e. projects in the extractive … [Read more...] about What is participatory monitoring and how does it help prevent conflicts
How to reach the middle ground between indigenous worldviews and development practice
Every year, the United Nations celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on the 9th of August. This is not only an opportunity to take stock of the many challenges that development poses to indigenous people, but also of the ways that indigenous peoples themselves are challenging traditional development practices and promoting their own approaches. The … [Read more...] about How to reach the middle ground between indigenous worldviews and development practice
Marañón River, a source of life and energy?
An extraordinary number and diversity of fish inhabit the Amazon River basin. Many, if not all of them, are of great importance in maintaining the ecosystems found along the river and its tributaries (by the dispersal of tree seeds, for example) as well as supporting both commercial and subsistence fishing. While I was aware that there were migrations of catfish (also known as … [Read more...] about Marañón River, a source of life and energy?