By Amartya Deb, 17 July 2018.
Recently, I happened to attend the screening of a very inspiring, artistically stimulating film on the effects of deforestation at Alliance Française du Bengale. Originally released in September 2008, Mia et le Migou is a French animated film that showcases ‘irresponsible’ mining as one of the human activities, that is destroying forests merely for economic gains. It compares, human happiness attained through mere economic gains, with the beauty and mystery of nature. In the screening I was present, the film moved hearts of both young and old people alike. Eventually the antagonist businessman named Jekhide in the film, finds out that a healthy environment is more fulfilling than focusing on mere economic gains; and decides to make a change in his approaches. As such change is desirable, the film is hopeful. But such change is not common; and forests remain at risk.
Trailer of Mia et le Migou. Vimeo, licenced for non-commercial distribution, no derivatives.
Increasing Afforestation Efforts Are Not Enough to Stop Forest Cover Loss
Until today, globally, the Bonn Challenge commitments have indeed seen a restoration of 90 million hectares of forest land. But data from Global Forest Watch, WRI for the last two years reveal a net forest cover loss of 33 Million hectares in the Tropics – which is only a little less than the total area of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal combined. While appreciating the growing commitment from corporations to prevent deforestation, Frances Seymour, writing for TheCityFix points to a few problems as to where we might be going wrong. The Distinguished Senior Fellow at WRI highlights that vast tracts of forest land continue to be cleared due to growing demands for forest products coupled with irresponsible and illegal logging. Citing an extensive literature review on: ‘What Drives Deforestation and What Stops It?’ from Centre for Global Development, Seymour argues that we have solutions but not enough effort on conservation when compared to the rate of deforestation. Particularly condemning corruption and illegal logging she writes a spine-chilling note:
And Indigenous Peoples—whose presence is associated with maintaining forest cover, yet whose land rights are often unrecognized—continue to be murdered when they attempt to protect their forests.
Read the full article on TheCityFix, World Resources Institute.
The Big Questions are Social: Include Local Communities for Better Governance
Everybody can benefit from healthy ecosystems. Then why can not we all change like Jekhyde the antagonist in Mia et le Migou? We seem to face a set of critical questions that extend beyond the “technological sciences” of forestry. Steve Connelly, Director of Research at The University of Sheffield, points out that – “The Big Questions are Social”, and highlights importance of social sciences alongside the technological sciences to interpret policy. Connelly mentions a few of the social challenges as: life style changes; persuasion; willingness to invest for a greener future; and putting ideas to action. Connelly identifies effectiveness and implementation as issues in policy making. Highlighting that sometimes losers from policy planning are less visible, he suggests policy making to be “an interactive process between individuals who are both enabled and constrained by the institutional, cultural, linguistic and material resources available to them.” While engaging with governments and companies has not been enough to stop deforestation, a growing record of experiences has reflected that involving traditional population can help address issues in implementation.
Read the story from June 2018, CEM Newsletter: Thematic Assessment on Land Degradation and Restoration
The indigenous population form the backbone of implementing Nature Based Solutions (NbS). On one hand Judith Fisher, Chair of the IUCN CEM Ecosystems and Invasive Species Group, has highlighted the role of local communities in reversing land degradation and restoring ecosystems (see article CEM newsletter). On the other hand, the Ecosystem rehabilitation project in South East Asia funded by IUCN CEM between 2017-2018 has shown success at a trial stage through “passion and determination of the local community”of Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam. Upon inspection this year, the indigenous fruit-tree plantation has shown promise in rehabilitating the badly deteriorated ecosystem –which was caused by massive floods in 2002 due to illegal logging. Social inclusion is then critical to enforce environmental solutions. Also, involvement of indigenous population helps distribute the benefits of environment in a more equitable manner.
Read the story from June 2018, CEM Newsletter: Ecosystem Rehabilitation Project in South East Asia
In 2016, Members Assembly at the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Conservation Congress made a landmark decision of reforming its membership structure to recognise roles of Indigenous Peoples’ Organisations (IPOs) in IUCN. This March 2018, the first draft of IPO Member-led strategy was developed by IPO members.
The Joint Meeting of IUCN CEM and IUCN CEESP: Expected Outcomes of the Momentous Collaboration
This year the IUCN commissions have specifically focused on including local communities into policy making and management relating to conservation of ecosystems. The CEM Newsletter for June 2018 highlights a number of events which identify the role of livelihoods as an enabler to allow communities to participate positively in nature conservation. The joint meeting of CEESP and CEM brought out number of collaborative projects with which cultural practices and values of indigenous peoples can be understood and incorporated into capacity building programmes. The Conservation, Communities and Livelihood Conference overall saw a healthy representation of indigenous peoples as delegates from 50 participating countries. Considering the cultures and values of indigenous peoples are a must where projects are being implemented, the joint meeting of CEESP and CEM is indeed a momentous event. Understanding and addressing the challenges of the communities in the process of governance are a key to successful adaptation and change.
Read the story from June 2018, CEM Newsletter: CEM held a joint meeting with the Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP)
Amartya Deb is managing editor of Harnessing Nature.