In the light of unprecedented global biodiversity loss, due largely to increasing pressures from economic activity, this research aims to study the intersection of economic activity in the shape of international supply chains... [ view full abstract ]
In the light of unprecedented global biodiversity loss, due largely to increasing pressures from economic activity, this research aims to study the intersection of economic activity in the shape of international supply chains and biodiversity conservation. Since biodiversity has invaluable functions that underpin our very existence, biodiversity conservation should be increased and improved significantly. International supply chains play a central role in both the problem and solution. Voluntary sustainability standards are a market-based scheme to render these supply chains more sustainable. However, many VSS have neither incorporated biodiversity sufficiently nor appropriately and struggle to address beyond site-specific elements. Over the last few years, the ‘landscape approach’ has made a comeback in conservation research because of its integrated and holistic scope, its focus on multifunctionality of landscapes and the acknowledgement of the variety and complexity of landscape units that influence biodiversity. In terms of biodiversity conservation, both voluntary standards and landscape approach initiatives have difficulties in proving empirical effectiveness. Additionally, whereas standards have difficulty addressing landscape level elements going beyond site-specificity, landscape approaches have had difficulties engaging essential economic actors in its efforts. This study will explore the feasibility of combining both approaches in a ‘landscape level voluntary standard’. This approach has the potential to, according to this study, alleviate an array of current barriers and improve biodiversity conservation considerably in certain areas. In addition, an integrated approach to land management via voluntary standards has specific benefits for (local) communities as well by fundamentally increasing their inclusiveness in the governance process. This eight-months study will entail four phases of explorative research to fill the evident research gap of the juxtaposition of biodiversity conservation, voluntary sustainability standards and landscape approaches, guided by the following research question: ‘What are the barriers and opportunities of applying a landscape approach in international supply chain oriented voluntary standards systems for biodiversity conservation, and how could such an approach be practically feasible?’ After an exhaustive literature review, a current practice review scopes current biodiversity conservation approaches related to voluntary standards and conservation initiatives. This involves interviews with key experts and stakeholders at organizations such as ISEAL Alliance, UNEP-WCMC, WWF, Flora and Fauna International, FSC and others. The third step presents potential ‘ideal’ prototypes of a landscape level voluntary standard, based on the barriers and opportunities found in the previous phases and in collaboration with key actors in the field (e.g. ISEAL Alliance, Rainforest Alliance). Finally, a case study in a Colombian biodiversity hotspot explores the feasibility and desirability of such an approach by interviewing key potential implementers and people affected by it. The results present different possible models of landscape level voluntary standards, with varying viability and desirability to improve biodiversity conservation. Based on these models, the results show a clear potential for mainstreaming biodiversity, e.g. by linking national biodiversity targets with landscape management of tropical commodities. Implications and recommendations for policy makers and voluntary standard organizations conclude the research. Keywords: Voluntary sustainability standards, biodiversity conservation, landscape approach
