Searching for Success in Connecting Communities, Conservation & Livelihoods

Many success stories have been produced worldwide through the efforts of local place-based communities to conserve their environment and maintain sustainable livelihoods and local economies. A series of studies carried out by... [ view full abstract ]

Many success stories have been produced worldwide through the efforts of local place-based communities to conserve their environment and maintain sustainable livelihoods and local economies. A series of studies carried out by the Community Conservation Research Network indicate that the factors leading to these successes are very diverse. Nevertheless, some seem especially fundamental, and four of these are the focus of this session: (i) a broad systems perspective, in keeping with a social-ecological systems framework, (ii) appreciation of the meanings and motivations behind conservation, (iii) effective multi-level governance, and (iv) suitable monitoring of multi-faceted outcomes. This panel discussion examines each of these factors, including their challenges and limitations, to develop a set of lessons to guide environmental conservation measures and sustainable livelihoods initiatives for communities as well as for policymakers.