Academic paper: Connecting poverty and ecosystem services - focus on Mali
Source: Global Development Network
Connecting poverty and ecosystem services: focus on Mali
Linkages between poverty and ecosystem services in Maliby Wong, C.|Roy, M.|Duraiappah, A.K.
Produced by: International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) , 2005How are Africa’s ecosystems faring? This report provides a preliminary overview of ecosystem services in Mali and the corresponding constituents and determinants of well-being related to the availability of these services. This paper is one in a series of seven country scoping studies. The objective of the series is to identify the regions within the countries where critical ecosystem services for human well-being are stressed, signalling the need for immediate attention. This information is expected to guide the selection of potential areas where more detailed assessments can be carried out. Lessons learned can then be used together with new knowledge gathered on the links between ecosystem services and human well-being to design intervention strategies that would seek to promote the reduction of poverty and improve well-being while protecting and enhancing vital ecosystem services. The Mali country study finds that:
- the most highly stressed regions of Mali are the southern regions of Sikasso, Mopti and Segou. These are regions that particularly stand out, as they are endowed with many ecosystem services which are deteriorating, have high population densities and high levels of poverty
- there are many trade-offs that occur when using ecosystem services in an unsustainable manner - for example, while increased rice production has decreased child stunting, it has negatively impacted water quality and caused higher occurrences of floods
- proper management of water, including appropriate technologies and policy mechanisms, will mitigate drought and ensure water availability
- the high population growth rate is another driver that will need to be addressed as it puts pressure on ecosystem services.
Mali’s ecosystem services revealed four critically stressed ecosystem services: maintenance of biodiversity; food and fibre provision; water supply, purification and regulation; and fuel provision. In terms of services related to human well-being, the report finds the following wanting: the ability to be adequately nourished; the ability to access adequate clean water; the ability to have energy and to keep warm; and the ability to earn a livelihood.
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