People in nature : valuing the diversity of interrelationships between people and nature

In line with the three pillars of sustainability, we developed globally applicable site-specific socio-ecological-economy models. One of our four models is called Abu Model. The idea behind this model was the protection of the Green Avadavat or Green Munia, categorized ‘Vulnerable’ in IUCN Red List.    

Taking advantage of the interdependency of tourism and the environment, we focused on the flagship species of Abu Hills, consisting of the Green Munia and several other fauna and flora species. A group of local youth closely associated with nature was identified, including bird trappers and poachers. Their traditional local knowledge was valuable to modern scientific knowledge and empowered them. Thus, the nature related skills of the local youth were linked with the livelihood options. This approach fostered the conservation actions towards the protection of habitats and target species. 

Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems are essential for food security, livelihoods, and wealth for the 60 million people living along the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). However, unsustainable use of marine and coastal resources puts ecosystems and economic development at risk.

Our Blue Future (OBF), a multi-stakeholder initiative for advancing inclusive sustainable blue economy (ISBE) in the region, is working with its currently 24 partners across the region and sectors to catalyze innovation and achieve long-term environmental and socio-economic impact.

An ISBE is defined as one in which countries and people can derive a source of value and wealth from diverse, productive, and resilient ecosystems while simultaneously protecting, maintaining, and restoring them to provide social and economic benefits.

OBF is becoming an inclusive, well-resourced, highly effective public–private–civil society transformation network that helps empower communities, governments, and businesses to foster an ISBE.

Nech Sar National Park is one of Ethiopia’s oldest protected areas, conserved for its diverse flora, fauna, and unique landscapes. However, unsustainable use of resources poses a significant threat to the park. The absence of standardised protocols and systems for recording illegal human activities and threats hinders the effective use and management of the park. The poor enforcement of planning, decision-making and resource allocation processes further fuels the issue.

To address these challenges, the BMZ-funded and GIZ-implemented Biodiversity and Forestry Programme introduced the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART). SMART is a tool that simplifies and enhances data collection, analysis, and reporting in protected area management. It supports various conservation activities such as protection of biodiversity, law enforcement, natural resources utilisation, and tourism management. With its easy-to-use features, SMART offers powerful options for effective management and protection of natural resources.

The conservation efforts in Cheorwon, Gangwon-do, are a collaborative initiative by local farmers and various organizations, including the National Nature Trust, Cheorwon Crane Protection Association, and others, to preserve endangered crane habitats. These efforts have led to a notable increase in crane populations, thanks to sustainable agricultural practices, ecotourism, and community-driven conservation activities. The National Nature Trust plays a pivotal role, supported by legal frameworks and financial mechanisms, in managing conservation assets like ‘the Cheorwon Crane Land.’ This multifaceted approach integrates ecological preservation with local economic development, showcasing a successful model of conservation that promotes the coexistence of human and wildlife interests.

With increasing global human activity encroaching on wildlife habitats, growing demand for wildlife consumption & expanding global trade, the risk of pathogen spillover from wildlife to humans is escalating. There is not a simple answer on how to prevent this & not a single person who could do it alone. The only chance we have is to work together towards this as a common goal with a holistic, cross-cutting & synergistic approach.

The International Alliance therefore offers a solution by serving as an inclusive & interdisciplinary platform for stakeholders. It is a collaborative space to join forces to better understand & reduce the threat of pathogen spillover from wildlife trade & consumption, providing & communicating evidence, and supporting interventions. Thereby we reduce the risk, while improving health, equity & well-being for all species through a One Health approach.