Background

Biodiversity is a crucial resource for the worlds’ poorest, and a fundamental Global Public Good.
Rights to and sustainable management of biodiversity are often critical for local livelihoods, and
are intimately linked to fundamental development aspects such as poverty, food security, equity,
economic growth, health, and trade. Sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystem
services are thus a prerequisite for sustainable development and poverty alleviation in both local
and global perspectives. The range of ecosystem services provided, and the links between
biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being, are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

However, overwhelming evidence, including the recently finalised Millennium Ecosystem
Assessment (MA), clearly demonstrates that humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and
extensively in the last 50 years than in any other period. This has contributed to substantial net
gains in human well-being and economic development, but at the cost of large and increasing
degradation of the majority of ecosystem services. This degradation of ecosystem services is
increasingly jeopardizing human well-being, including possibilities of achieving the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs). The degradation both must and can be reversed. However, this
”requires significant changes in policies, institutions, and practices that are not currently under
way” (MA), including recognising the importance of involving the people most directly affected
and ensuring their rights and responsibilities.