Thomas C. Meredith

Tropical forest transitions and globalization: neo-liberalism, migration, tourism, and international conservation agendas.

Deforestation is giving way to forest regeneration in some tropical regions. We investigate such “forest transitions” in two biodiversity-rich countries. A case study near the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica shows how synergies between international conservation ideologies, neo-liberal reforms, tourism (and associated real estate investment), and migration (as one strategy for livelihood diversification) lead to increased forest cover. We find these factors widespread in Costa Rica as a whole. In Madagascar, by contrast, while the factors are present to varying degrees, similar trends are largely absent. Many analysts compare tropical forest transitions to the forest history of modernizing temperate countries. While our findings may appear consistent with such models based on processes of modernization, they are comprehensible only with reference to contemporary forces of globalization. We conclude that globalization has diverse impacts shaped by regional contexts; these can include the benefits of reforestation but also the costs of social marginalization.

A collaborative GIS method for integrating local and technical knowledge in establishing biodiversity conservation priorities

Methods for establishing biodiversity conservation priorities are urgently required, as the number of species and habitats that are threatened increases relative to the material resources available for their conservation. The identification of priority areas demands the integration of biophysical data on ecosystems together with social data on human pressures and planning opportunities. But comprehensive and reliable data are rarely available to demarcate where the need for action is most urgent and where the benefits of conservation strategies can be maximized. Strategic conservation initiatives cannot wait for the creation of comprehensive databases. In order to fill the missing data gaps, the combined knowledge of local and technical experts can be used. This study presents a collaborative geographic information system (GIS) method for integrating the knowledge of local and technical experts with existing spatial environmental data to establish priority areas for biodiversity conservation. Procedures for structuring and framing the discussions, establishing assessment criteria, integrating knowledge with data, and building consensus are incorporated into the method. The method provides a novel cooperative mechanism to aid spatial knowledge management and inclusive biodiversity planning.

Achieving Effectiveness in Stakeholder Participation Using the GIS-Based Collaborative Spatial Delphi Methodology

Environmental problems have spatial origins and consequences. Hence, effective stakeholder participation demands the integration of comprehensive facilities for understanding the spatial components that affect environmental change. This study develops the Collaborative Spatial Delphi (CSD) methodology to embed spatial thinking, conceptualise the dynamic mechanisms, and assess the effectiveness of the resulting participatory process. The CSD uses a collaborative geographic information system (GIS) and the Delphi procedure in a descriptive decision-making framework that integrates diverse stakeholder knowledge for spatial awareness, understanding, and negotiated outcomes. The CSD synthesises relevant theories to conceptualise the participation mechanisms, and an application of the methodology to urban green spaces planning in Montreal, Canada is presented. The results suggest that a deficiency in technical background is not a barrier to effective use of spatial technology in participatory planning. The methodology enhanced many spatial facets of the participation process and was evaluated as effective in achieving negotiated outcomes.

Use and conservation of woody vegetation by the Batemi of Ngorongoro District, Tanzania

The Batemi, agropastoralists of north-central Tanzania, inhabit a landscape of savanna and scrub woodland. We identified 61 species of woody plants used by the Batemi for 19 types of items. The reports indicated 39 species are used for construction, 19 species for cultural artifacts, 23 for firewood and 6 live trees for fences, boundaries and shade. The Batemi have extensive knowledge of species habitat and distinctive management strategies for woody vegetation, particularly for the well-forested irrigation channels and spring sources. To date, a total of 90 species of woody plants have been identified as useful to the Batemi. Compared to the total number of species found within the study area, the Batemi use 79% of woody plant species in the area.RésuméLes Batemi, groupes agro-pastoraux du Centre-Nord de la Tanzanie, habitent une région de savanne et de broussailles. Nous avons identifié 61 espéces de plantes boisées utilisées par les Batemis pour 19 types d’items. L’etude révéle que 39 espéces sont utilisées pour la construction, 19 especes pour des accessoires culturels, 23 pour du bois de chauffage et six espéces d’arbres vivants sont aussi utilisées comme clÔture, frontiére et ombrage. Les Batemis ont une connaissance appréciable de l’habitat de ces espéces et des stratégies de gestion distinctes á la végetation boisée, particuliérement pour les canaux d’irrigation et d’eau de sources oŨ l’’on retrouve une végétation luxuriante. Jusqu’ ã présent, un total de 90 espéces de plantes boisées ont été reconnues utiles pour les Batemis. En comparaison, au nombre total d’espéseces identifiées dans la région étudiée, les Batemis utilisent 79% des espêces de plantes boisées dan la région.

Exploring methods for rapid assessment of woody vegetation in the Batemi Valley, North-central Tanzania

Conservation of local biological resources in remote areas requires efficient data and collection methods. This paper describes part of a local conservation initiative in Northern Tanzania in which an indigenous conservation group enlisted the support of outside scientists to explore means of preparing baseline ecological reports. Two factors are seen as important: one is local use of ecological resources and the other is local availability. This paper focuses on the second of these and considers woody species. A variety of ecological field methods, statistical analysis and remote sensing and mapping techniques are used to generate baseline ecological inventories. The fieldwork identified 101 woody species, representing 54 genera and 37 families in the Batemi area. There are three main vegetation types: Vangueria apiculata-Ficus sycomorus-Trichilia emetica type; Croton dictygamous-Euphorbia tirucalli-Grewia bicolor type; and Acacia tortilis-Balanites aegyptica-Euphorbia candelabrum type. The Landsat TM map identified four main land-cover classes: (1) bushland and woodland thicket, (2) woodland (3) wooded grassland, and (4) grassland with scattered trees, which includes agricultural areas and villages. The combination of these data and methods can be useful for conservation planning and long-term monitoring, but it is clear that ground-level local assessment is necessary to detect subtleties of human-environment interaction that are required for conservation planning.

Adaptation and Indigenous peoples in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Indigenous peoples are uniquely sensitive to climate change impacts yet have been overlooked in climate policy, including within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). We identify and characterize the discourse around adaptation in the UNFCCC, examining implications for Indigenous peoples based on a critical discourse analysis of the original Convention and decision texts from subsequent Conference of the Parties (CP). CP16 in Cancun (2010) was a critical juncture after which adaptation emerged as a central component of climate policy in the Convention, with a shift from a purely scientific approach to adaptation to one where local, Indigenous, and traditional knowledge are also valued. Since CP16, the discursive space for incorporating the voices, needs, and priorities of Indigenous peoples around adaptation has expanded, reflected in decision texts and engagement with Indigenous issues in the work streams of relevant bodies. We outline opportunities for greater engagement of Indigenous issues in the UNFCCC post-Paris Agreement, noting the underlying State-centric nature of the Convention limits what can ultimately be achieved.