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Book (series)Manual / guideValuing forest ecosystem services: a training manual for planners and project developers 2019
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No results found.The degradation of ecosystems, including forests, and the associated loss of biodiversity, particularly due to human-induced threats and climate change, has gained increased attention from scientists and policymakers. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment presented a new conceptual framework that puts ecosystem services at the centre and links human well-being to the impacts on ecosystems of changes in natural resources. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity initiative drew further attention to the economic benefits of conserving ecosystems and biodiversity, supporting the idea that economic instruments – if appropriately applied, developed and interpreted – can inform policy- and decision-making processes. Only a few ecosystem services, however, have explicit market value and are traded in open markets: many – especially those categorized as having “passive-use” value – remain invisible and are rarely accounted for in traditional economic systems. The failure to appropriately consider the full economic value of ecosystem services in decision making enables the continued degradation and loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. Most ecosystem services are considered public goods and tend to be overexploited by society. Many methods have been applied to the economic valuation of ecosystem services. The use of these methods, as well as the interpretation of their results, requires familiarity with the ecological, political, normative and socio-economic context and the science of economics. Recognizing, demonstrating and capturing the value of ecosystem services can play an important role in setting policy directions for ecosystem management and conservation and thus in increasing the provision of ecosystem services and their contributions to human well-being. The aim of this manual is to enhance understanding of ecosystem services and their valuation. The specific target group comprises governmental officers in planning units and field-level officers and practitioners in key government departments in Bangladesh responsible for project development, including the Ministry of Environment and Forests and its agencies. Most of the examples and case studies presented herein, therefore, are tailored to the Bangladesh context, but the general concepts, approaches and methods can be applied to a broad spectrum of situations. This manual focuses on valuing forest-related ecosystem services, including those provided by trees outside forests. It is expected to improve valuation efforts and help ensure the better use of such values in policymaking and decision making. Among other things, the manual explores the basics of financial mathematics (e.g. the time value of money; discounting; cost–benefit analysis; and profitability and risk indicators); the main methods of economic valuation; examples of the valuation of selected ecosystem services; and inputs for considering values in decision making. -
Book (stand-alone)Manual / guideLivelihoods-based restoration of inland aquatic ecosystems for poverty reduction, food and nutrition security and biodiversity conservation
Guidance for policymakers and practitioners on putting livelihoods first in ecosystem restoration
2025Also available in:
No results found.Two important imbalances in the dialogue on ecosystem restoration are addressed. First, the over-focus on ecological objectives as the entry point. Second, the under-recognition of the importance of and opportunities for restoration of inland aquatic ecosystems. Most current general forums, literature and guidelines on ecosystem restoration emphasise ecological approaches and/or outcomes for nature. Human well-being, and more rarely livelihoods benefits, are often implied but not always central. The approach here does so, adopting a people-centred approach that addresses the objectives of livelihoods, poverty reduction and food and nutrition security. Ecological outcomes are seen as a tool to achieve this end and co-benefit of it. The approach significantly changes how ecosystem restoration is assessed, planned, implemented, monitored, and funded, trade-offs among winners and losers become more transparent and central, local knowledge is prioritised over scientific/technical approaches and local communities are placed central to the design and implementation of interventions. Apart from human rights, justice and equity considerations and alignment with development goals and priorities, a people-centred approach with a focus on livelihoods, poverty and food security is more likely to deliver sustainable outcomes, including for biodiversity, particularly where local communities are empowered to manage the direct use of these ecosystems for livelihoods benefits. The guidance provides only a brief introduction to the topic through a set of principles, relevant conceptual frameworks, a theory of change and key considerations in designing an ecosystem restoration programme or project. The intention is, where necessary, to shift the policy approach and how practitioners use associated guidance on relevant topics. Throughout, examples from inland aquatic ecosystems in developing countries are provided to illustrate the topics. -
No Thumbnail AvailableBook (series)Technical studyStrategies for sustainable animal agriculture in developing countries 1993
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No results found.he FAO Expert Consultation on Strategies for Sustainable Animal Agriculture in Developing Countries was held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, from 10 to 14 December 1990.Animal agriculture is a complex, multi-component, interactive process that is dependant on land, human resources and capital investment. Throughout the developing world it is practised in many different forms, in different environments and with differing degrees of intensity and biological efficiency. As a result any meaningful discussion of the subject must draw on a broad spectrum of the biological and earth sciences as well as the social, economic and political dimensions that bear so heavily on the advancement of animal agriculture. There is a growing consensus among politicians, planners and scientists alike that livestock production in the third world is not developing as it should, or at a sufficient pace to meet the high quality protein needs of a rapidly expanding human population. The sobering reality is, despite the many development projects implemented over the years by national, bilateral and multinational agencies and often substantial capital investment, there has been little or no change in the efficiency of animal production in the developing world. Livestock numbers have increased substantially in many countries and while the growth in output is welcome, it does not necessarily equate with sustainable productive growth. On the contrary it can, as it has done in the drought prone arid regions, lead to a lowering of productivity and degradation of the rangelands.The purpose of the Expert Consultation was to discuss and formulate specific criteria and questions relating to the planning and implementation of sustainable livestock production programmes in the developing world. There is increasing concern regarding the conservation of the natural resource base and protection of the global environment and FAO attaches highest priority to the sustainable development of plant and animal agriculture. This Expert Consultation is one of a number of initiatives being undertaken by FAO to ensure the sustainability of it's agricultural development programme. The discussion and recommendations arising from this Expert Consultation have been used to help to focus and guide global, regional and national policies and action programmes on the sustainable development of agriculture and have provided an important contribution to the FAO/Government of the Netherlands International Conference on Agriculture and the Environment held in the hague, 15–19 April, 1991.
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Book (series)YearbookWorld Food and Agriculture – Statistical Yearbook 2023 2023
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No results found.This publication offers a synthesis of the major factors at play in the global food and agricultural landscape. Statistics are presented in four thematic chapters, covering the economic importance of agricultural activities, inputs, outputs and factors of production, their implications for food security and nutrition and their impacts on the environment. The Yearbook is meant to constitute a primary tool for policymakers, researchers and analysts, as well as the general public interested in the past, present and future path of food and agriculture. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical bookThe future of food and agriculture - Trends and challenges 2017
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No results found.What will be needed to realize the vision of a world free from hunger and malnutrition? After shedding light on the nature of the challenges that agriculture and food systems are facing now and throughout the 21st century, the study provides insights into what is at stake and what needs to be done. “Business as usual” is not an option. Major transformations in agricultural systems, rural economies, and natural resources management are necessary. The present study was undertaken for the quadrennial review of FAO’s strategic framework and for the preparation of the Organization Medium-Term plan 2018-2021. -
DocumentOther documentWorld tea production and trade
Current and future development
2015Also available in:
No results found.Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the manufactured drink most consumed in the world. Discovered about 2700BC, it is one of the oldest beverages in the world. Today it is available for consumption in six main varieties, based on the oxidization and fermentation technique applied. The tea crop has rather specific agro-climatic requirements that are only available in tropical and subtropical climates, while some varieties can tolerate marine climates of British mainland and Washington area of the Unites S tates. The tea plant needs a hot, moist climate. Its specific requirements are: temperatures ranging from 10-30oC (zone 8 climate or warmer), minimum annual precipitation of 1250 mm, preferably acidic soils, ideally 0.5-10 degree slopes and elevations up to 2000 meters. Tea production therefore is geographically limited to a few areas around the world and it is highly sensitive to changes in growing conditions. Importantly, its ideal growing conditions are at high risk and expected to significan tly change under climate change.