Globalization and Biodiversity Conservation Problems: Polycentric REDD+ Solutions

Abstract

Protected areas are considered the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation, but face multiple problems in delivering this core objective. The growing trend of framing biodiversity and protected area values in terms of ecosystem services and human well-being may not always lead to biodiversity conservation. Although globalization is often spoken about in terms of its adverse effects to the environment and biodiversity, it also heralds unprecedented and previously inaccessible opportunities linked to ecosystem services. Biodiversity and related ecosystem services are amongst the common goods hardest hit by globalization. Yet, interconnectedness between people, institutions, and governments offers a great chance for globalization to play a role in ameliorating some of the negative impacts. Employing a polycentric governance approach to overcome the free-rider problem of unsustainable use of common goods, we argue here that REDD+, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) climate change mitigation scheme, could be harnessed to boost biodiversity conservation in the face of increasing globalization, both within classic and novel protected areas. We believe this offers a timely example of how an increasingly globalized world connects hitherto isolated peoples, with the ability to channel feelings and forces for biodiversity conservation. Through the global voluntary carbon market, REDD+ can enable and empower, on the one hand, rural communities in developing countries contribute to mitigation of a global problem, and on the other, individuals or societies in the West to help save species they may never see, yet feel emotionally connected to.

Emerging Paradigms for Biodiversity and Protected Areas

“…A unique global mechanism for biodiversity conservation based on climate change mitigation is proposed by Githiru and Njambuya [62]. They suggest that REDD+, the United Nations climate change mitigation scheme whose goal is to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, can be harnessed for biodiversity conservation.…”

“…Globalization and externalization of cost are major drivers of biodiversity declines (Weinzettel et al 2018) [64] as acknowledged by Cunningham and Beazley [41] and by Githiru and Njambuya [62]. There are growing trends and tensions in framing conservation policy in terms of ecosystem services rather than biodiversity (Cimon-Morin et al 2013 [3]; Kusmanoff et al 2017 [65]) with implications across boundaries at local to global scales.…”

Green Agricultural Development Based on Information Communication Technology and the Panel Space Measurement Model

“…Agriculture is a cornerstone for the development and survival of human society, and it is also a key pillar in ensuring development of the national economy and social progress [1]. Since China's implementation of the reform and opening-up policy, China's agriculture developed rapidly.…”

Estimation of Current and Future Suitable Areas for Tapirus pinchaque in Ecuador

“…Globally, climate change, invasive species, deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, and pollution, among other human activities, are causing the most serious biodiversity crisis since the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago [10,11]. This is no different in Ecuador, where, along with cattle ranching, oil extraction and mining are currently the greatest threats to biodiversity [12,13]. The magnitude of the problem is such that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that, of the species studied, around 50% have already been affected by climate change.…”