14 Looking at biodiversity through the prism of EA management one realises that the state of biodiversity and the dynamics of its use are defined by the multiplicity of policies, institutions, actions initiated by individual organisations and civil society. These make projects of the RCEs ever more important as they could not only pilot ambitious biodiversity projects but, being longterm functioning networks, might lead to engagement with alliances, strategies and projects leading, in time, to institutional arrangements for preservation of bio-cultural diversity in a particular region. Although the case studies have been classified under specific categories based on the dominant focus of work, these projects have implications in other areas as well. For instance, RCE Penang’s case study is mentioned under the equity and livelihood category, but the project also focuses on strengthening healers’ networks and promoting sustainable use of medicinal plants. Similarly RCE Cebu, though categorised under ecosystem services and sustainable use, is actively involved in conservation of protected areas. Apart from revitalising cultural practices of the region, RCE Kodagu also engages in conservation of sacred groves and promotion of livelihood activities through forest products. Suffering from the past forestry, mining and smelting activities that led to barren and contaminated land in the region, more than 30 years ago, the City of Greater Sudbury (the key partner of RCE Greater Sudbury) has initiated the Regreening Program. The new biodiversity action plan “Living Landscape” adopted in 2009 called for new efforts in developing self-sustained ecosystems. Through its multiple stakeholders RCE Greater Sudbury aspired to realise a comprehensive programme that included research, education and community engagement in regional regreening. Transplant of the forest floor form the healthy ecosystems has become the main technique of re-growth with other activities including creation of the seed bank by the local college, tracking and monitoring animals by the members of the public, on-line surveys for amphibians, research by higher education institutions, a variety of trainings and other capacity development activities. Partnerships, based on ‘learning by doing’, resulted in a holistic model for community development and led to lasting ecological recovery of the area. RCE Porto, whose overall goal is development of human capital and preservation of natural capital, has initiated the “FUTURE – The 100,000 Trees” project in the Porto Metropolitan Area. Increase of urban biodiversity and care about ecosystem services are recognised by the partners as critical for delivering their multiple functions to human habitats. Through social learning and action networks, the RCE aspired to develop 100 hectares of native woodlands by the year 2015. Complex work ranging from reforestation areas identification to making landowner agreements, to needs identification and to volunteer training, engages 30 organisations. Among the partners are the Porto Metropolitan Area Coordination (16 municipalities), non-governmental organisations, the Portuguese Catholic University, several governmental offices, private companies, and private forest landowners associations. Collaboration of the partners, which is centred on mutual acknowledgement of responsibilities, an understanding of strengths and opportunities and focused on developing local capacity for future sustainable development of the forests, have resulted in increased public engagement, generation of new innovative ideas, zero-budget for project development and, ultimately, successful growth of urban forests. The practice of RCE Porto serves as an inspiration for similar projects in other parts of Portugal. Priority work for RCE Srinagar and RCE Guwahati is reducing anthropogenic pressure on Himalayan ecosystems. In three cases reported by the RCEs local communities took a lead in conserving flagship species of Hoolock Gibbon in Assam (where agro-forestry practices are synergised with Gibbon conservation), Blyth’s Tragopan in Nagaland (where youth was engaged in wildlife management and villagers in hospitality services for sanctuary visitors) and development of community owned wildlife sanctuary in Meghalaya. The RCEs‘ educational interventions range from awareness programmes on conservation for schools, communities, NGOs, youth, teachers, and faith organisations to training on management of biodiversity projects . Apart from these, RCE Greater Dhaka’s coastal area and mangrove ecosystem programme and RCE Cebu’s project on protected areas also have a strong conservation focus. EDITO RIAL
Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity
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