Ecosystem services

The nation’s rural landowners, its farmers, ranchers, and forest owners, provide not only food and fiber for the world, but also a host of environmental benefits, including habitat for wildlife. Nearly two thirds of all species federally listed as threatened or endangered exist on private lands. Conservation efforts on these lands generate outdoor recreation and economic activity that result in sustained growth for local communities and landowners.

This article coauthored by CCC director, Dr. Robin Reid  was recently awarded the 2012 Sustainability Science Award for having a great contribution to the emerging science of ecosystem and regional sustainability through integration of ecological and social sciences. Abstract and link are below. 

 In this interview with founder and chairman of Conservation International, Peter Seligmann, he talks about the organizations choice to refocus on efforts to link environmental conservation to "the economic self-interest  of surrounding communitites and countries."

For interview, see link below. 

 This article from the World Resources Institute discusses the importance of land rights in creating strong incentives for sustainable land management and this issue's conspicuous absence from the Rio +20 agenda. 

16 JUNE 2012
Jou 12: Day 12
Lapli Pa Tonbe: The Rain Does Not Fall

 In BriefOver the past five decades, African agriculture has failed to meet the demands of a continent set to become the most populous region on earth by 2025.

 The UNCSD Rio+20 presents an unparalleled opportunity to further the goals of the Landscapes for People, Food and Nature Initiative – as poverty alleviation, food security, and environmental protection are all key themes of the meeting. With Rio+20

 Video from Rainforest Alliance on developing local knowledge for farming in the forests of Madagascar.