Call for alternative models of development
11 Septermber 2007

Robust economic growth in parts of Asia is transforming social life, natural resource use patterns and the relationship between human and non-human habitats.

The sentiment echoed loud and clear during the deliberations on alternative models of development at the ongoing 4th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) being held in Kathmandu. Citing example of the changing course of Bagmati River, Anne M. Rademacher, Professor, New York University, New York, USA, commented that alternative models of development need to be anchored on the conservation of the Bagmati River, adding that there are many ways of linking development with conservation issues.

“The livelihoods of people around the region are under increasing pressure owing to environmental degradation, rapacious economic development and implications of global processes, to name just a few. As a result, natural resources are being depleted - some irreversibly,” highlighted IUCN Regional Councillor Abdul-Muyeed Chowdhury, referring to the successful development model of the world’s largest non-governmental organization (NGO) Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, popularly known as BRAC.

Earlier, speaking at a session on the ‘Future of Sustainability and Challenges to Asia,’ Dr. Ashok Khosla of Development Alternatives, an Indian NGO that is also an IUCN member, stressed on the need to develop capacity to identify priority issues confronting the nation and devise effective solutions to create sustainable livelihoods. “Most of the current environmental and human problems cannot be understood or addressed in isolation from each other and should be seen holistically,” added Dr. Khosla.

The proposed IUCN Global and Asia intersessional programmes for the next quadrennium (2009 – 2012) were also presented to IUCN members for feedback and endorsement. The growing link between the conservation community and the private sector was another focus area that was dealt through a dedicated session. With some key representatives from the private sector in the region in attendance, the session presented case studies of best practices of work and emerging ways of bringing the two sectors on a common platform.

About 400 IUCN members, experts, representatives from IUCN’s membership, commissions, secretariat and council in Asia as many as 30 Asian countries are participating in the RCF.
The RCF is being jointly organised by the Government of Nepal and the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The main agenda of the forum is to generate meaningful dialogue on critical conservation and development issues in the region as well as their possible solutions. Special emphasis is being placed on the impact of emerging socio-economic trends in the region during the 21st century.

The coming two days will stress on strategies for addressing key regional issues such as climate change, energy and environmental security, poverty-environment nexus and conservation of biological diversity. Moreover, a dedicated session for the regional members of IUCN will also be organized.

For more information, please contact:

•  Email: djoshi@iucn.org.np