TEEB for Local and Regional Policymakers in Brazil's Northeastern Biodiversity Corridor
Details
Note: Yale School of the Environment (YSE) was formerly known as the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES). News articles and events posted prior to July 1, 2020, refer to the School's name at that time.
Summary
Brazil´s Northeastern Corridor contains a great diversity of endemic flora and fauna and scientists are still discovering new species of birds, reptiles and bromeliads in the region. The forests within the corridor are located primarily in small, isolated fragments dispersed in an urban and agricultural matrix.
In addition to the biophysical complexity of the region, many decision-makers have little knowledge about biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration, thereby further limiting the recovery of the ecosystem. This gap has direct implications regarding the ability of managers and policy makers to lead and establish conservation initiatives in the most endangered Atlantic Forest region of Brazil.
The main objective of this course is to train public managers from several governmental State agencies in specific themes and strategic concepts based on TEEB, including the environmental adaptation of projects with emphasis in the Rural Environmental Cadastre.
Content
Module 1. Recognizing the value of biodiversity
- Leveling of concepts: Biodiversity, ecosystems, services and ecosystem functions within the Mata Atlantica’s context
- The importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services for human wellbeing (benefits and values)
- The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) for Brazil
Module 2. Demonstrating the economic value of biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services: Integrating ecologic and economic dimensions
- The value of environmental services in the formulation of local policies
- Economic evaluation of environmental services provided by Private Natural Patrimony Reserves
- Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
- Case Study #1: Institutional disposition to create a municipal policy for PES
- Conceptual aspects of the economic value of natural resources
Module 3. Capturing the value of biodiversity at a local and regional level
- Environmental value methods
- Economic viability analysis
- Case study #2: Park water project
- Field trip #1: Visit to Dois Irmãos State Park to see their PES project
Module 4. Environmental adaptation of projects
- Ecological restoration perspective in the northeast biodiversity corridor
- Environmental adaptation program
Module 5. Propose solutions to improve the management of the natural capital and ecosystem services and how to include ecosystem services in national and regional public policies
- SUAPE’s environmental adaptation program
- Practice – Apply the TEEB approach to participants’ activities