Environmental Economics Seminar
Developing specifications for Wildlife Friendly labels: from environmental criteria to economic viability
Abstract
In the face of the current biodiversity crisis, Wildlife Friendly labels offer a way to create economic incentives for the adoption of agricultural practices that promote biodiversity. During my PhD research, I contributed to the development of two future labels, ‘Chimpanzee Friendly’ and ‘African Elephant Friendly’, aimed at supporting the conservation of chimpanzees, elephants and, more broadly, biodiversity in agricultural landscapes surrounding protected areas across the African continent.
Based on a pilot study conducted in the Sebitoli area, north of Kibale National Park in Uganda, I first sought to identify certification criteria that were both ecologically relevant and operationally feasible for producers, whilst exploring the conditions for their economic viability. The study combines an analysis of existing certification schemes, land-use mapping, interviews with tea producers and surveys of avian biodiversity, as well as an analysis of the market potential of future labels amongst consumers.
The thesis has thus resulted in an initial proposal for specifications for the ‘Chimpanzee Friendly’ and ‘African Elephant Friendly’ labels. The challenge now is to determine under what conditions these criteria can be co-developed with stakeholders in the sector, integrated into a credible certification scheme and linked to sufficient economic incentives to encourage their adoption by produce
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Practical information
Location
Institut Agro de Montpellier / INRAE - Bat. 26 - Centre de documentation Pierre Bartoli
2 Place Viala 34000 Montpellier
Dates & time
10:00