Developed country policies and biological diversity in developing countires

Abstract

A vigorous effort will be required to negotiate and implement international commodity agreements which would stabilize and maximize the earnings of developing countries from the export of primary products. Success will enable them to evolve and develop from a more balanced base and to manage their natural resources in a sustainable manner. This article examines ways developing countries are interlocked with wealthy nations in terms of agriculture practices, how that affects biodiversity and habitat conditions in developing countries, and how developing countries could develop agricultural policies and strategies that would address and correct the loss of biological diversity. Agricultural trade policies, agricultural assistance policies, and potentials within these for changes are examined in terms of achieving sustainable approaches to agriculture. Some general principles are apparent, and the combined effects from certain policies are clear. Protectionism depletes the resources of the developing world; it accelerates the loss of biological diversity and reduces the ability of poorer nations to create a context in which future development could occur. Developing countries become forced to respond to foreign rather than local conditions. The success of agricultural development will depend on linkages with natural areas important for biological diversity. Therefore, agricultural development projects supported by agencies of developed nations must consider the larger ecosystem, the parts in context with the whole. Since current models of economic and ecological systems are disconnected, a monitoring and research program should be established to determine the effectiveness of alternative policies and organizational structures. Nonetheless, economic restructuring offers opportunities to direct efforts towards conservation of biological resources, sustainable agriculture, and training in principles of conservation. Opportunities for innovative initiatives exist through debt reduction or exchanging debt for biological conservation. This could lead to sound agricultural systems, reduce government deficits, and protect biological diversity. The global climate debt, incurred by wealthy nations, could be managed to the benefit of developing countries. It is suggested that nations develop a “Foreign Policy on Agriculture and the Environment” stating national objectives in both trade and aid, in relation to agriculture.