Policy Studies

Abstract

Literature review, a conceptual framework and case studies Can poverty be reduced while at the same time conserving biodiversity? Decision makers face this challenging question when exploring ways to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and the CBD targets on biodiversity conservation. The aim of this study was to build a theory on the relationship between biodiversity and poverty that explains developments under different conditions. We reviewed the literature on these relationships and on the causes of change in biodiver- sity and poverty, drafted a conceptual framework for this relationship and tested this framework against the results of eleven case studies at subnational scale in developing countries. These cases concern production systems based on the use of natural resources. We cooperated with research partners in these countries, who carried out the case studies and contributed to the overall analysis.