Sustainable Economies and Local Community

This session focuses on the linkages of sustainable economies and local communities, in particular examining how communities can engage in economic-oriented decision-making to work toward positive outcomes that... [ view full abstract ]

This session focuses on the linkages of sustainable economies and local communities, in particular examining how communities can engage in economic-oriented decision-making to work toward positive outcomes that address external pressures on their livelihoods from climate change, economic development, and the degradation of the resources on which they depend for their livelihoods. A key element of this lies in recognizing the interconnections of economic development with environmental and cultural values held by stakeholders in a specific region. To this end, integrated planning approaches can be important. This is examined in terms of strengthening aboriginal cultural heritage in a world heritage area in outback Australia (The challenge of value integration: managing environmental, socio-economic and cultural values in the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area, Australia, Nick Conner and Mal Ridges). A related element is the importance of understanding the determinants of wellbeing (at household, community and regional levels) in local communities. This is explored in the case of Bolivian Amazon communities, using social well-being and livelihoods approaches to examine priorities, choices and perceived trends, in relation to local conservation initiatives such as natural resource management, and the roles of agency, access and equity associated with wellbeing and wellbeing change (Well-being dynamics and change processes in Amazon communities, Alison Macnaughton and Anthony Charles). Looking at these case studies broadly, it seems that green economy concepts relating to equity, social capital and social cohesion may be important to help to build more resilient socio-economic and structures for local communities facing external economic, environmental and social pressures to their livelihoods. The foundations of such an approach are explored in the session (Linking green economy and community economy, Anthony Charles). A discussion session will focus on the wider applicability of the material discussed in the presentations.