"Biodiversity and Development: the economic value of biodiversity"

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Lunch Time Conference

Speaker:

John MacKinnon,
Biologist, Ecologist & Biodiversity expert

The exploitation of biological diversity, as well as the conversion of natural ecosystems to human-dominated ones, has brought about significant benefits to humankind. However, as human exploitation and degradation of natural systems relentlessly advance, these benefits are achieved at growing costs. Increasingly, biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystem services are a threat to the livelihoods of the poor and to wider development objectives.

Dr MacKinnon has a long experience of research and field conservation projects in Africa and especially Asia, where he has notably advised governments on biodiversity. He currently leads an EUfunded biodiversity project in China. He argues that biodiversity represents a key pool of economic value for developing countries – and based on his experience, suggests some concrete ways of addressing current challenges and improving the management of this essential component of “natural capital”.

Limited seats - Registration required