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The rights way forward: How conservation and the right to food can meet conservation and livelihoods goals

XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022

Year of publication 2022

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 8p.

Author Vasquez, W.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Article

Synopsis (short abstract) The right to food is a fundamental human right that can be achieved, but also hindered, by a myriad of complex and nuanced factors and actors. One such actor has been the continued annexation of land in the name of conservation which has resulted in the extinguishment of rights and access to local food sources for many communities. While the focus has begun to shift away from the fortress conservation model to more bottom up and egalitarian approaches, there remains room to re-think and re-work conservation by anchoring it around rights. One fundamental human right that has historically clashed with conservation has been the right to food. The enactment of protected areas (PAs), one of the main forms through which we aim to conserve biodiversity, has left a legacy of exclusionary practices that have negatively impacted the lives of many forest dependant people. Indigenous People are fundamental players when it comes to conserving biodiversity, as this is a role they have been championing for millennia, despite repeated attacks to dispossess them from their lands, their culture, and their knowledge. It has been this traditional and land-based knowledge that has led to the conservation of biodiversity that has riveled that of protected areas, whilst also supporting healthy, diverse, and nutritious diets that are sustainable and culturally enriching. As the evidence on the intricate and vital relationships between people and land continues to expand, the shift to rights-centered policies and agendas has been slow. If we are to achieve a more just and sustainable future, we need to continue to center conservation initiatives around rights and access that respect a diverse set of perspectives and worldviews. This paper will be a review of the literature in order to expand on how the right to food and conservation interreact and how we can move forward in ways that are equitable and just for both the people and the planet. Keywords: Right to Food; Conservation; Food Security; Rights ID: 3622848

Language English

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