Incorporating basic needs to reconcile poverty and ecosystem services

Area of Science:

• Socio-ecological systems research
• Conservation science
• Development studies

Background:

• Conservation often conflicts with the well-being of human populations dependent on ecosystem services.
• Mutually beneficial conservation solutions are rare, frequently masking trade-offs and negative impacts on people.
• Identifying social and ecological thresholds is crucial for navigating conservation-related trade-offs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a novel method for evaluating conservation impacts on human well-being using the theory of human needs.
• To connect human needs with ecosystem services through a participatory approach.
• To identify vulnerable households and the role of ecosystem services in meeting basic needs in coastal East Africa.

Main Methods:

• Application of human needs theory within a conservation context, drawing from international development.
• Innovative participatory methods including focus groups and household surveys.
• Establishment of locally relevant thresholds for assessing human needs and ecosystem service provision.

Main Results:

• Identified households unable to meet basic needs in coastal East Africa.
• Uncovered the critical role of ecosystem services in meeting these basic needs.
• Highlighted potential repercussions of altered ecosystem service provision on human well-being.

Conclusions:

• The developed approach aids conservationists and planners in balancing poverty alleviation and biodiversity protection.
• The method helps ensure conservation measures do not cause serious harm to individuals.
• This framework can serve as a basis for monitoring conservation's impact on multidimensional poverty.