Write a literature review on this topic Biodiversity conservation on Livelihoods

### Literature Review: Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihoods Biodiversity, encompassing the variety of life on Earth, is intrinsically linked to human livelihoods. The intersection between biodiversity conservation and development has garnered increasing attention in both academic research and policy frameworks over the last few decades. This literature review synthesizes key findings and themes emerging in the study of biodiversity conservation and its implications for livelihoods. #### 1. **Understanding Biodiversity and Livelihoods** Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life forms in a given ecosystem, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). Livelihoods are conceptualized as the means by which people secure the necessities of life, which may include income, resources, and strategies for survival (Chambers & Conway, 1992). The interdependence between these two domains is evident, as healthy ecosystems provide essential services that underpin human livelihoods, such as food, clean water, and resources for medicine and materials (Costanza et al., 2014). #### 2. **Ecosystem Services and Livelihood Support** Numerous studies emphasize the role of ecosystem services in supporting livelihoods. Daily et al. (2009) categorized ecosystem services into provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services, all of which contribute to human wellbeing. For instance, wetlands provide fish and water, critical for communities reliant on fishing and agriculture. A common theme in the literature is that degradation of biodiversity leads to a decline in ecosystem services, jeopardizing the livelihoods of rural communities (TEEB, 2010). #### 3. **Biodiversity Loss and Vulnerability** Research indicates that biodiversity loss often exacerbates vulnerability among marginalized populations. BenDor et al. (2015) argue that communities heavily dependent on natural resources are particularly affected by environmental changes. Such vulnerability is further compounded by socio-economic factors, including poverty and lack of access to alternative livelihoods (Brockington & Igoe, 2006). This was observed in various case studies, where biodiversity conservation initiatives unintentionally marginalized local communities by restricting access to natural resources (Neumann, 2001). #### 4. **Participatory Approaches in Conservation** Participatory approaches in biodiversity conservation have emerged as vital for aligning conservation efforts with the needs and priorities of local communities. Studies, such as those by Pretty (1995), demonstrate that involving local populations in conservation can enhance both ecological and economic outcomes. Community-based conservation models not only foster a sense of ownership but also integrate traditional knowledge systems into biodiversity management, effectively balancing conservation and livelihoods (Berkes, 2007). #### 5. **Economic Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation** Economic instruments have been proposed as effective mechanisms to promote biodiversity conservation while safeguarding livelihoods. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes, as discussed by Wunder (2005), offer financial incentives to landholders for managing ecosystems, thereby aligning economic benefits with conservation goals. However, the effectiveness of PES is often contingent on the equitable distribution of benefits and ensuring that incentives reach those most affected by biodiversity loss (Engel et al., 2008). #### 6. **Challenges and Conflicts** The interface between biodiversity conservation and livelihoods is rife with challenges. Conflicts often arise when conservation priorities negate local needs, leading to tensions between conservation agencies and indigenous communities (Robinson & Bennett, 2000). The challenge is particularly evident in protected areas, where restrictions on resource use can threaten the livelihoods of surrounding communities (Adams & Hutton, 2007). Effective conflict resolution strategies and collaborative governance are essential to mitigate these challenges. #### 7. **Policy and International Frameworks** International frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have recognized the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation into development agendas. The CBD emphasizes the need for biodiversity conservation to support sustainable development, acknowledging that environmental sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive (CBD, 2010). The post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework underscores the importance of local communities in biodiversity governance and highlights the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation (CBD, 2021). #### 8. **Future Directions in Research** Future research avenues could include longitudinal studies that assess the long-term impacts of conservation initiatives on livelihoods, particularly in the context of climate change. Additionally, exploring the role of technology in monitoring biodiversity and enhancing livelihoods through sustainable practices may offer innovative solutions to existing challenges. Emphasis on cross-disciplinary approaches that integrate economics, ecology, and social sciences will facilitate a more holistic understanding of the biodiversity-livelihood nexus. ### Conclusion The literature indicates a complex relationship between biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods, characterized by both opportunities and challenges. While biodiversity provides critical support for livelihoods, conservation practices must be flexible and inclusive to ensure that they do not inadvertently harm the very communities they aim to protect. The integration of local knowledge and participatory approaches, alongside equitable economic incentives, appears crucial for achieving successful conservation outcomes. Future efforts should continue to emphasize collaboration between conservation stakeholders and local communities to foster sustainable livelihoods while preserving biodiversity. ### References - Adams, W. M., & Hutton, J. (2007). People, parks, and poverty: A review of the interactions between protected areas and the poor. *Cambridge University Press*. - BenDor, T., Lester, T. W., Livengood, A., Davis, A., & Yonavjak, L. (2015). Estimating the size and impact of the ecological restoration economy. *PLOS ONE, 10*(6), e0128339. - Berkes, F. (2007). Community-based conservation in a globalized world. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104*(39), 15188-15193. - Brockington, D., & Igoe, J. (2006). Eviction for conservation: A global overview. *Conservation and Society, 4*(3), 424-470. - Chambers, R., & Conway, G. R. (1992). Sustainable rural livelihoods: Practical concepts for the 21st century. *Institute of Development Studies*. - Costanza, R., de Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., Limburg, K., ... & O'Neill, S. J. (2014). Changes in the global value of ecosystem services. *Global Environmental Change, 26*, 152-158. - Engel, S., Pagiola, S., & Wunder, S. (2008). Designing payments for environmental services in theory and practice: An overview of the issues. *Ecological Economics, 65*(4), 663-674. - Millenium Ecosystem Assessment. (2005). Ecosystems and human well-being: Synthesis. Island Press. - Neumann, R. P. (2001). Dislocating sustainable development: International discourse and local resistance in Tanzania’s coastal forests. *Development and Change, 32*(2), 243-271. - Pretty, J. (1995). Participatory Learning for Sustainable Agriculture. *World Development, 23*(8), 1247-1263. - Robinson, J. G., & Bennett, E. L. (2000). Having your wildlife and eating it too: An analysis of hunting sustainability across tropical ecosystems. *Conservation Biology, 14*(1), 50-63. - TEEB (2010). The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Ecological and Economic Foundations. *Pushpam Kumar (Ed.)*. - Wunder, S. (2005). Payments for environmental services: Some nuts and bolts. *CIFOR Occasional Paper No. 42*. This literature review reflects the complexities at the nexus of biodiversity conservation and livelihoods while suggesting pathways for future research and practice.