Developing Livelihood Systems and Mobilizing for Conserving the Pantanal

The Pantanal is an internationally famous wetland. Its plant, animal and habitat diversity has led to its recognition as Biosphere Reserve and Natural Heritage (UNESCO) and the establishment of three extensive Ramsar sites. Among the problems and threats facing the Pantanal, the following priority issues in the fields of nature conservation and sustainable livelihoods were identified during the 2004-2006 Nature&Poverty Programme (Sub-programme Pantanal): Firstly threats to ecosystem dynamics and services, secondly lack of investment in sustainable development planning, thirdly insufficient and inadequate legal and policy framework fourthly lack of investment in innovative technologies. The project will address all four priority issues through the implementation of three strategies that build on the experience and knowledge acquired during the Nature&Poverty Programme: 1) Poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement; 2) Strengthening of local civil society organisations (community-base organisations, associations, networks, NGOs) by means of capacity building and 3) Promotion of legal and policy frameworks and public investments in the Pantanal and the wider region in support of secure livelihoods and sustainable land and natural resources use.