Conservation is Development
This resource provides an overview of programming examples, tools and approaches, and evidence that support cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve shared development goals. It was developed by the Biodiversity Results and Integrated Development Gains Enhanced (BRIDGE) project, a five-year contract (2015-2020) to advance the second goal of USAID’s Biodiversity Policy, to “integrate biodiversity as an essential component of human development.” BRIDGE collaborates with USAID’s Office of Forestry and Biodiversity, Missions, and regional and technical bureaus to explore the evidence base, identify entry points in the Program Cycle, and share learning on integrating biodiversity conservation with other development outcomes.
By promoting development that benefits both people and nature, biodiversity conservation activities strengthen the capacity of countries to manage their natural resources, increase resilience, and deliver development results across sectors, for example:
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Healthy, intact ecosystems can help improve climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and are more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
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Biodiversity conservation and democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) integration can improve open and accountable participation to help support stable and sustainable development.
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Natural systems provide key ecosystem goods and services that support food production including fish provision, water provision for agriculture, pest control, and pollination.
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Intact, biologically diverse ecosystems can help promote health and fight disease by providing goods and services including non-cultivated foods, natural medicines, and clean air and water.
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Forests and wetlands can provide ecosystem services that help maintain water quality.
