Title: Nature conservation and sustainable development: towards an integrated and holistic strategy for project design and implementation

Authors: Joske F.G. Bunders, Wander J. De Laat, Jacqueline E.W. Broerse

Addresses: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ' Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ' Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract: This paper addresses the design and implementation of projects that aim at contributing to nature conservation and sustainable development. By presenting the Lak Integrated Conservation and Development Project and analyzing two central concepts - biodiversity and sustainable development - we show that preconceived ideas about links between activities and their impact, which are not verified in the local context, have little chance of success. The recommendation to start with various diagnostic activities is important, but as long as no direction is given on how to structure such activities, it can easily lead to an accumulation of information and no clear picture of how to proceed. One solution could be the application of an integrated and holistic strategy, the Interactive Learning and Action approach, which systematically addresses and integrates different types of knowledge and simultaneously enhances an interactive and participatory change process.

Keywords: nature conservation; sustainable development; biodiversity; sustainability; project design; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2000.053856

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2000 Vol.2 No.1, pp.19 - 38

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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