Talk summary:

The current paradigm of biodiversity conservation, as exemplified by the recent 30 x 30 commitments, has resulted in the separation of humans and nature at the expense of both biological and cultural–linguistic diversity. The continued annexation of land for the cause of conservation has resulted in the curtailment of both rights and access to wild and diverse food sources for many rural communities. Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLC’s) are fundamental to conserving biodiversity through sustainable use of nature despite repeated attempts to dispossess them from their lands, cultures and knowledge. It has been this traditional and land-based knowledge that has contributed to the conservation of biodiversity whilst also supporting healthy, diverse and nutritious diets. If we are to achieve a more just and sustainable future, we need to continue to center conservation initiatives around rights, access and equity whilst respecting a plurality of perspectives, worldviews and knowledge systems. Here, alternative approaches are presented that help reconcile the right to food with biodiversity conservation, such as biocultural rights, rights-based approaches and integrated land management schemes, with the aim of identifying optimal ways forward for conservation that break away from the dichotomous view that pits people against nature and instead embrace the importance of this symbiotic relationship.

Bio:

Terry Sunderland is Professor of Tropical Forestry at the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia. He has spent many years working in the tropics, primarily West/Central Africa and SE Asia with the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). His work focuses on sustainable landscape management, livelihoods and food security. He holds a Master’s degree in forestry from the University of Oxford and a PhD from University College, London.

Talk summary:

Community-level organizations and international actors alike support a Partnership Approach to accelerate progress towards SDG6. A Water Partnerships approach facilitates involvement from stakeholders including households, village leaders, teachers, NGOs, and water committees. This presentation shares recommendations from 400 water leaders on four continents to inform a partnership approach: who are the important stakeholders, what are their roles and what tools enable participation by all? Specifically, we share a three-step process to empower participation in water management: 1. Awareness of water contaminants and their connection to health, 2. Education of the options, and 3. Resources for water action. These lessons will inform future safely managed water solutions.

Bio:

Dr. Karl Zimmermann is a water researcher and water lover. As part of his PhD studies at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada), Zimmermann began with research on biological ion exchange drinking water filters before wading into the WASH sector. His Tools for Water Partnerships study learned from water leaders on five continents about what, in addition to innovative technologies themselves, are important for the long-term success of drinking water and sanitation solutions. Karl now works as a Water Treatment Engineer with WSP Canada in Vancouver.