The role of ecological theory and practice in poverty alleviation and environmental conservation
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Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Spatial Multiobjective Optimization of Agricultural Conservation Practices using a SWAT Model and an Evolutionary Algorithm
Published on: December 9, 2012
Fabrice DeClerck1, Jane C Ingram1, Cristina M Rumbaitis Del Rio1,2
1The Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027.
Abstract:
The fight against global poverty has gained momentum following the creation of the Millennium Development Goals, which aim to halve extreme poverty by 2015. Traditionally, ecologists have not played leading roles in poverty alleviation. Yet, knowledge of ecosystem functions and processes can be applied to improve the lives of millions of people, suffering from hunger, lacking clean drinking water and reliable, efficient energy sources, dying from preventable diseases, and suffering disproportionately from natural disasters. Here, we describe ways in which ecologists can apply ecological theory and tools to help improve the efficacy of poverty alleviation programs.
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