Mainstreaming sustainability into biodiversity conservation in Lesotho |
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Authors: | André Pelser Limpho Letsela |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Sociology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa;(2) Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa |
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Abstract: | Biodiversity conservation is critical for the continued supply of ecosystem services to secure the sustainability of livelihoods,
especially for poor rural people in developing countries. Current rates of biodiversity loss need to be curbed by using effective
interventions and decision-making that again require timely information. Undertaking a community sustainability assessment
to generate and structure this information for grassroots levels is critical for decision-making and actions. This paper presents
insights from a community sustainability assessment initiative undertaken in Lesotho within a trans-boundary project area
known as the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Project. A qualitative case study approach was employed through a combination
of several data collection techniques, including a literature review, field observations, key informant interviews, group
discussions and key informant workshops. Study participants consisted of members of the community conservation forums from
three districts that had been established by the project. Regarding progress towards the sustainability of biodiversity in
the study area, the results indicated that current practices are unsustainable, more from the point of view of the socio-ecological
components than the socio-cultural and spiritual or the socio-economic components. Consequently, there is a need to raise
awareness at the community level and implement action plans to realize changes that support the sustainability of biodiversity
in the long term. |
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