International Conference
on Biodiversity & Society
Columbia University and
the UNESCO Division
of Ecological Sciences
May 22-25, 2001
How Humans Shape the Environment
is Focus of International Biodiversity Conference
at Columbia, May 22-25
Case Studies
This provides brief descriptions of the pilot projects conducted and case studies prepared for the UNESCO/Columbia University International Conference on Biodiversity and Society. It is the result of over a year of joint efforts by teams of researchers, policy makers and local stakeholders at nine sites of high biological diversity and social, economic and cultural importance.These sites have been selected so as to be representative of the world¹s major ecological, cultural and geographic systems. The most important selection criterion is however that there be people at each site who understand the multi-dimensional nature of the challenges they face and who can articulate these clearly to an international audience. Each case study is therefore being prepared by authors with an intimate understanding of the site in question. Some are drawn from ministries or government departments, others from academics, and others still from local NGOs. Some have backgrounds in the natural sciences, others in the social sciences, humanities or law. All of them however understand that the key to the survival of biodiversity lies in the solution to human problems such as poverty, disenfranchisement, and insecurity.
In a sense, the International Conference on Biodiversity and Society already began over a year ago, as the development of the pilot projects and case studies has shaped both its form and its focus. Thus the activities carried out in these pilot projects are integral aspects of the conference itself. This is especially the case for the multi-stakeholder workshops featured in many of the pilot projects. These workshops have allowed local stakeholders - be they government officials, landowners or the landless - direct input into shaping the conference discussions.
These case studies provide the core of the conference. They are intended to inform the conference discussions with real world examples of real people dealing with complex environmental and social problems. More important, conference participants are expected to rise to the challenges presented by the case studies and grapple with the task of identifying and developing viable stewardship strategies for the sites. Success here requires flexibility, creativity, and an ability to see things from a variety of conflicting perspectives, and a willingness, as the cowboys say, to "get down and dirty" with the practicalities, trade-offs and compromises necessary for workable solutions.
Case Studies Coordinator
Australia:
Southeast Queensland;
A.J. Brown,
Griffith University, Australia
Description
Native forest ecosystems in various tenures and state of modification.
Issue to Be Addressed
A regional Forest Agreement was not endorsed by the federal Government and not translated into a formal federal State Agreement
Brazil:
Morro do Diabo (Mata Atlantica);
Claudio and Suzana Padua, Institute of Ecological
Research (IPE), Brasilia
Description
Coastal Forest is home overwhelming percentage of Brazil's endemic and endangered species. Some of the most sensitive areas lie in the immediate vicinity of major cities.
Issue to Be Addressed
Ecosystem fragmentation and increasing population pressures are threatening survival of habitats.
Cambodia:
Tonle Sap BR;
Neou Bonheur,
Ministry of Environment, Cambodia;
Benjamin Lane, ICBS
Description
Largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, with adjoining wetlands and flooded forest serves as a balancing reservoir for the Mekong river floods.
Issue to Be Addressed
Livelihood of 1/3 of Cambodian population is threatened by unsustainable use of Tonle Sap resources, increasing population pressures and a lack of environmental Governance.
China:
Xishuangbanna BR;
GuoHui Jun,
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
Christine Padoch,
New York Botanical Garden
Description
Traditionally managed ecosystem based on the shifting cultivation of hill rice.
Issue to Be Addressed
Large scale changes in land use are leading to loss of biological and cultural diversity as well as increasing vulnerability to natural hazards.
Mexico:
El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar BR, Alto Golfo de California BR;
Rick Brusca,
University of Arizona, Columbia University Biosphere 2,
Jose Campoy,
Alto Golfo deCalifornia BR
Description
Maritime, wetlands and desert region encompassing the Upper Gulf of California, the Colorado River Delta and the Sonora Desert.
Issue to Be Addressed
Region's invaluable riparian and maritime habitats are threatened by dramatic population increases and ensuing pressure on water resources.
USA:
New York Metropolitan Area;
Cynthia Rosenzweig, Columbia University/ NASA/Goddard
Institute
William Solecki,
Montclair State University, US-MAB
Description
Global City with large impact on regional and global resources and biodiversity. Metropolitan ecosystems highly fragmented.
Issue to Be Addressed
Impact of large urban areas on global biodiversity and climate.
Peru:
Muyuy;
Miguel Pinedo-Vasquez, CERC
Description
Area of traditionally managed biodiversity in Amazon Basin, near Iquitos.
Issue to Be Addressed
Large scale changes in land use are leading to loss of biological and cultural diversity as well as increasing vulnerability to natural hazards.
Benin/Niger/Burkina
Faso"W" BR:
Bonaventure Guedegbe,
Ministry of Environment, Benin
Marja Spierenburg,
UNESCO Division of Ecological Sciences
Description
Large savanna reserve with significant nomadic populations.
Issue to Be Addressed
Large transboundary reserve threatened by cross border conflicts.
USA:
Chihuahua Grasslands Jornada BR (NM);
Charles Curtin,
Arid Lands Project,
Nathan Sayre
Jornada Biosphere Reserve,
Benjamin D. Lane, ICBS
Description
Semi-arid rangelands on border region between Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. Traditional large scale ranching region with high degree of biodiversity due to conflux of several major biomes (Sierra Madre, Rocky Mountains, Sonora Desert, Chihuahua Desert).
Issue to Be Addressed
Increasing urbanization and landscape fragmentation are threatening natural habitats, watersheds, and cultural landscapes.