Conservation in Developing Countries

Authors: SHAHINA A. GHAZANFAR

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) set a number of targets to work towards by 2010 in order to aid conserve the world´s biodiversity. Several countries are now aiming at ex-situ and in-situ programmes for the protection and conservation of plant species through the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation targets (GSPC). Is it possible to achieve these targets in rapidly developing countries where the usage of land for urban expansion and agriculture to support basic human needs holds priority? How can conservation and development be sustainable? I take examples from a rapidly developing country in the Arabian Peninsula to show the difficulties faced for conservation programmes through lack of education, awareness, changing behaviour patterns, lack of community-based management programmes, and most importantly where the costs of implementation of conservation programmes cannot be met.

Keywords: Arabia, conservation, CBD, developing countries, GSPC, public awareness, urban development

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